Report: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Minority Caucus reviewed issues concerning the availability, management and capacity of cemeteries for Christian and other minority communities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including alleged encroachment and allotment of Christian graveyard land belonging to the Roman Catholic Christian Cooperative Housing Society, Humak.
The meeting was attended by Senators Poonjo Bheel and Khalil Tahir Sandhu, MNAs Isphanyar M. Bhandara and Naveed Aamir, and senior officials of relevant departments.
The Committee was informed that several Christian graveyards in Islamabad have reached or are nearing capacity. A Christian graveyard in H-8/1, established in July 2024 over 9.58 acres, has a total capacity of around 9,000 graves, with approximately 1,120 graves already utilized.
The Committee directed the authorities to provide complete details regarding remaining burial capacity, boundary walls and other facilities and decided to visit relevant graveyards to assess their condition and management.
Regarding the Roman Catholic Christian Cooperative Housing Society at Humak, officials informed the Committee that 10 kanals had been earmarked for a Christian graveyard. Of this, 2.5 kanals have been utilized, 6.25 kanals remain vacant, while 1.25 kanals had allegedly been carved into three plots and allotted during 2006–08.
Officials said the three plots were cancelled on June 28, 2026, while restoration of the land would be pursued according to law after conclusion of pending civil proceedings.
An inquiry under Section 43 of the Cooperative Societies Act, 1925, and a special audit for 2012–2025 have also been initiated to identify irregularities and fix responsibility.
The Chairman directed the CDA Chairman and concerned Rawalpindi authorities to constitute a committee to examine and resolve the matter. The Committee will take up the issue again after three weeks, while the Ministry of Human Rights will also be invited to brief members on broader minority-rights issues.
