On the instructions of Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, Caretaker Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Zakat and Usher Barrister Syed Azfer Ali hold an open court in his office in the Civil Secretariat to listen to public complaints related to Auqaf and Zakat departments and issued orders on the spot. Provincial Secretary Auqaf and Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Administrator Zakat and Usher Punjab Rana Muhammad Sajjad Babar were also present on this occasion. In the open court, many citizens, including women, presented requests to the provincial minister. Barrister Syed Azfer Ali Bukhari said that for the convenience of the citizens, a series of open courts has been started which will continue in the future. “Open court will be held every week”, pledged the minister.
Taking strict notice of the alleged overcharging of shoe career at the shrine of Data sahib, the provincial minister directed the Secretary Auqaf Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari to take action. Secretary Auqaf vowed that if the official is found guilty of collecting more than the fixed rate, then an FIR will be registered against him. Dr. Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari also called the complainant to Data Darbar to identify the concerned official.
Syed Azfer Ali Nasir said that if the fee of paposh is low, then it might be increased however illegal collection will not be tolerated at all.
He issued orders on applications related to Zakat and directed that all the process of distribution of Zakat should be completed before Ramadan.
“The process of appointing Zakat administrators at the gross root level level should also be completed soon”, he directed.
He said that he is making visits across the province to review the facilities in the shrines. “I will also meet the IG Punjab Police regarding the security of the shrines”, he said. Barrister Syed Azfer Ali said that the illegal occupation on endowment land will be removed while the collection of arrears from defaulters should also be improved.
