LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Chaudhry Shafay Hussain chaired a meeting of the Auqaf Department’s Board at PSIC House. The meeting discussed a five-point agenda.
The board approved the annual budget of the Auqaf Department for 2025-26 and the revised estimates for the previous year. A new policy for regularising Auqaf lands was also approved.
According to the policy, outstanding dues on residential lands will be collected at Rs1 per marla, with a 10% increase each year. For commercial lands, the rate will be Rs2 per marla, also with a 10% yearly increase. The department will also update its rules as needed to implement this policy.
A departmental committee will conduct a survey to collect information about those using Auqaf lands. Occupants will receive one-month notices for payment of arrears. After the notice, they must sign agreements with the department.
The board also approved the creation of a Director of Agriculture post to manage agricultural lands. It further approved ad hoc relief and Auqaf allowances for the department’s staff.
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A special committee of ministers and government officers has been formed to take back illegally occupied Auqaf lands. This committee includes Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Parliamentary Secretary Malik Waheed, MPAs, the Secretary of Auqaf, and others.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Shafay Hussain said that lands worth billions of rupees would be retrieved from illegal occupants. These lands will be used for public welfare projects. He said an action plan has been prepared to remove encroachments, and further steps will be taken to increase the department’s income.
He also ordered improved security at shrines.
Secretary Auqaf, Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari, informed the board that the department’s income has improved through cost-cutting and effective monitoring. DG Religious Affairs Khalid Mahmood Sindhu and board members were also present at the meeting.
