Report: FT
ISLAMABAD– A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, chaired by Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim, reviewed the continued absence of the Director General Hajj, Jeddah, and the demolition operation affecting residents and shopkeepers around Dam Dama Mandir, Rawalpindi.
The committee expressed concern over the DG Hajj’s repeated absence and directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide documentary evidence regarding the cancellation of his travel and ensure his appearance at the next meeting.
The committee was also informed that a fresh recruitment process for the appointment of a new DG Hajj is currently underway.
Regarding Dam Dama Mandir, the Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) informed the committee that 19 houses and 31 shops are attached to the place of worship and anti-encroachment operations had been initiated.
Residents alleged that legitimate properties were also being demolished and claimed that an ETPB official had collected Rs57 million from 31 shopkeepers.
The committee ordered an inquiry through a Sub-Committee and directed that the demolition operation be halted immediately until the inquiry is completed. The ETPB Chairman assured the committee of full cooperation.
