ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP):The Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities, convened by Senator Danesh Kumar, on Wednesday reviewed a range of issues concerning minority rights, including implementation of the minority recruitment quota in Islamabad Police, rehabilitation of residents of informal settlements, and restoration of historical religious sites in the federal capital. The committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Police and issued a final warning to …
Senate minority caucus reviews minority quota, katchi abadis, restoration of historical religious sites
ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (APP):The Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities, convened by Senator Danesh Kumar, on Wednesday reviewed a range of issues concerning minority rights, including implementation of the minority recruitment quota in Islamabad Police, rehabilitation of residents of informal settlements, and restoration of historical religious sites in the federal capital.
The committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Police and issued a final warning to the police department to ensure its participation in future proceedings.
The caucus examined the ongoing recruitment process for 1,588 posts in Islamabad Police and stressed the need for strict compliance with the five per cent minority quota. It also directed that carried-forward vacancies from the minority quota be included in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court.
The committee also reviewed a briefing by Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials on Katchi Abadis here. Officials informed the committee that 10 settlements had been officially recognized, while several others remained unrecognized.
The caucus directed the CDA to maintain strict vigilance against further expansion of informal settlements and called for a humane and practical approach towards their residents.
Member National Assembly (MNA) Naveed Aamir highlighted that around 100,000 minority voters reside in Katchi Abadis and urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the government to formulate a compassionate relocation policy. He stressed that affected families should be provided suitable alternative housing in peaceful locations without imposing financial hardship or causing unnecessary emotional distress.
The committee further directed that no illegal religious structure should be demolished without first developing an appropriate alternative mechanism to protect religious sentiments and ensure the rights of minority communities.
The committee also examined compensation issues relating to displaced residents and ordered an internal inquiry into reported irregularities involving double compensation in the past.
During the meeting, the status of several historical religious sites in the capital was also discussed. The committee considered proposals for handing over intact but non-functional historical worship places, including the 16th-century Rama Mandir, Gurdwara and Dharamshala in Saidpur Village, to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for restoration and appropriate future use.
The committee appreciated the ETPB for its active engagement in the matter and decided to undertake an on-site visit to Saidpur Village to inspect the historic Mandir, Gurdwara and Dharamshala before considering their opening to the public.
The committee also directed CDA officials to submit a comprehensive report on the Dharamshala located near Rawal Lake and present a detailed briefing on the allocation of graveyards for minority communities at the next meeting.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Naveed Aamir and Ms Neelam, State Minister Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad Police, senior Capital Development Authority officials, the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board and other relevant officers.
