Punjab Transfers Over 3,000 Patwaris In One Day

The Punjab government has transferred more than 3,000 patwaris in a single day, marking one of the province’s biggest administrative reshuffles at the grassroots revenue level. According to The News, the move is part of a broader government campaign focused on addressing corruption and strengthening governance.

Official figures show that the campaign has also led to transfers, reshuffles or proceedings against officials in several other provincial departments.

The affected personnel include 764 police officials, 179 Food Department officials, 41 Board of Revenue officials, 50 Excise Department officials, 10 Communication and Works Department officials and five Housing Department officials.

Separately, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has carried out raids that resulted in action against 176 officials, according to figures released by the provincial government.

The Punjab government has also reported that measures taken in the Mines and Minerals Department resulted in the recovery or protection of Rs42 billion within one year, following action against what it described as alleged manipulation of the system.

However, the figures do not clarify how much of the Rs42 billion was actually recovered, how much represented losses that were prevented, or the exact nature of the alleged irregularities.

The measures are part of the provincial government’s stated effort to combat corruption and improve the performance of government departments.

The transfer of over 3,000 patwaris is the largest component of the campaign disclosed so far and focuses on a key public-facing area of provincial administration involving land and revenue services.

The effectiveness of the reshuffle will ultimately depend on whether the transfers lead to better handling of land-related matters, improved maintenance of land records and fewer complaints concerning revenue services.