LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting at Punjab Institute of Quran and Seerat Studies and inspected its various sections. Chairman P&D, secretary information and others were also present. The CM directed that an independent monitoring unit be organised to protect Auqaf properties from illegal possession along with its geo-tagging. A foolproof mechanism be devised for continuous monitoring of Auqaf lands and properties and unlawful possessions be immediately retrieved from squatters, he continued. The CM asked the Auqaf department to make the best use of its resources and the quran and Ulema boards should be up and running. Similarly, rehabilitation of Auqaf managed shrines be completed without delay and the facilities of research centers and almonries be provided to the visitants, he further said. The historically important buildings of shrines will be revamped in collaboration with Walled City Authority. The meeting also dilated on the proposal of setting up bank counters for receiving donations at the shrines of Sufi saints.
The CM Usman Buzdar directed to stimulate Punjab Institute of Quran and Seerat Studies adding that the establishment of a research center in collaboration with the private sector be reviewed as well. Meanwhile, the standard of facilities of Auqaf hospital, associated with Data Darbar, be further improved and construction of 9 Quran Mahals be completed without delay, he continued. A pedestrian crossing will be constructed at Uch Sharif and water filtration plants will be installed at 37 shrines in various districts to provide clean drinking water to the devotees, the meeting decided. Alongside, the Jamia Masjid in Chiniot will be renovated in collaboration with Walled City Authority. The CM asked the education, information and Auqaf departments to early complete arrangements for celebrating Rehmatul-lil-Alameen (PBUH) Week.
Secretary Auqaf briefed that the facilities of almonries were being provided at 170 shrines across Punjab. Auqaf department is managing 546 shrines, 537 mosques, 6179 shops, 1426 houses and 74964 acres of land across the province. Auqaf managed cultivable lands will be leased out for corporate farming. Language and computer lab and hostel for 500 students will also be established at Jamia Hajveria in collaboration with Al-Azhar University, he added.