LAHORE: An audit report submitted to the Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee-III has uncovered theft of solar panels worth over Rs6.5 million from 50 government schools in Rajanpur district during 2022–23.
The revelation sparked strong concern from the committee, which directed police to expand investigations across Punjab, warning that similar incidents could be occurring in other districts.
Committee member Tanveer Aslam Malik pressed for strict directives to be issued to district police officers in the affected areas. He also called for a detailed record of all targeted schools and an update on whether any stolen equipment had been recovered.
Officials from the Education Department confirmed that police cases had been registered, but the Audit Department observed that local education authorities had failed to safeguard the solar panels installed at schools.
The committee underscored the need for stronger accountability and preventive measures to protect public resources from further losses.
