Pakistan reports recovery of 45 million rupees in former prison chief case
The Anti-Corruption Establishment of Pakistan’s Punjab province reported the recovery of 45 million rupees from Azhar Cheema, the former superintendent of Gujranwala District Jail. As Dawn reports, the recovered cash and vehicles were handed over to the complainant in the presence of local media.
Case of the former prison chief
According to Amjad Shahzad, director of the Gujranwala Anti-Corruption Establishment, Cheema was detained on August 20, 2026, in a case involving alleged corruption and abuse of authority.
Investigators claim that he allegedly received 45 million rupees from a Pakistani living abroad, promising to help secure approval for a private housing project from the relevant authorities. After the promise was not fulfilled, the complainant filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Establishment.
The agency stated that it opened a case following a preliminary inquiry and detained Cheema. According to the agency, he purchased two premium-class vehicles with the money received; they were seized along with 10 million rupees in cash. After a court ordered him remanded in custody, he was taken to prison.
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Detention of officials in Okara
Separately, in Okara, Anti-Corruption Establishment officers detained Irfan Ahmad, the finance director of the local Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, and his subordinate, Waqar Sultani.
According to the materials of the registered complaint, contractor Sajid Maqsood submitted bills for construction work worth 8.5 million rupees to the local authority. Ahmad and Sultani allegedly demanded 85,000 rupees from him for approving them.
According to the agency, Deputy Director Malik Tassawar conducted a raid after being informed by a district judge and detained one of the suspects while receiving a bribe. A case was opened against both officials under Article 161 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5/2 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
