Six held in Bahawalnagar in Rs 42m district council graft scandal as probe widens

BAHAWALNAGAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Feb, 2026) In a dramatic breakthrough in the District Council mega corruption case, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Bahawalnagar on Monday arrested six officials over alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs42 million. The high-profile crackdown marks a significant development in the unfolding scandal; moreover, authorities described it as part of a broader drive to ensure transparent governance. The arrests, officials said, were carried out after investigators meticulously examined audit records and financial documents.

Those taken into custody include former Executive Engineer Abdul Razzaq as well as the then Chief Officer and engineers Dilshad Ahmed, Muhammad Arshad Tahir, Shahzad Sarwar, Muhammad Arshad and Athar Mahmood.

According to investigators, the accused were allegedly involved in large-scale embezzlement and systematic misuse of public funds; consequently, cases were registered and raids were conducted swiftly.

Sources revealed that evidence had been carefully compiled over several weeks, while forensic scrutiny of official records is currently under way.

Circle Officer Anti-Corruption Akram Zaki stated that the scope of the inquiry has been significantly expanded; furthermore, additional arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. He emphasized that the probe is being pursued thoroughly, professionally, and independently to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption.

Meanwhile, officials hinted that more startling revelations could emerge as investigators scrutinize contracts, payments, and development schemes linked to the accused officers.

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