Lahore: Abandoned Waqf Estate Board authorities have started releasing funds for the financial support of Project Management Unit (PMU) Kartarpur.
After the approval of the federal government, funds of 7 million rupees have been provided initially, while from January 2024, a monthly payment of 13 million rupees will be made. In addition, the Abandoned Waqf Property Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has been appointed by the Board. It has also recommended the appointment of a competent officer on the post of Deputy Secretary Shrines.
A grant-in-aid of Rs.312 million will be provided to PMU Kartarpur over two years to make it financially stable on its feet. According to sources, in the 353rd meeting of the Abandoned Waqf Property Board in October 2023, Chief Executive Officer Project Management Unit Kartarpur had informed the head and members of the board about the severe financial deficit. The participants of the board unanimously approved to provide Rs 1 crore 30 lakh per month to PMU Kartarpur for 2 years.
According to the sources, after receiving the approval from the federal government, the accounts section of the Abandoned Waqf Property Board has started providing funds to the Project Management Unit Kartarpur, under which an initial grant of Rs. Kartarpur has been transferred, while from January 2024, monthly assistance of Rs 1 crore 30 lakh will be given.
It should be noted that PMU Kartarpur needs a large budget to run its administrative affairs. The PMU Kartarpur administration is trying to meet the expenses from the revenue generated from entry fees from pilgrims and tourists which is very inadequate.
Besides, the officials of the Abandoned Waqf Estate Board have sought assistance from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to appoint a qualified officer from the federal government for the post of Deputy Secretary (Shrines).
According to the sources, a letter has been sent to the relevant section officer of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on behalf of the Secretary of the Abandoned Waqf Board, Farid Iqbal, in which it has been stated that the orders issued by the Cabinet Secretary, Establishment Division on 15 August 2022 In light of Saifullah Khokhar Deputy Director (Grade 18) was posted on contract basis for three years as Deputy Secretary (Shrines) in Abandoned Waqf Estate Board who was later transferred as Deputy Secretary (Admin) Project Management Unit Kartar. Poor has been appointed.
The letter states that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony should recommend the appointment of an officer to the Federal Government for Deputy Secretary Shrines so that he can be entrusted with the responsibility. It may be noted that at present the additional responsibilities of Deputy Secretary Shrines have been assigned to recently promoted board employee Nadeem Dhriju.
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