PESHAWAR:Advisor on Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs Maulana Tayyab Qureshi on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the illegal occupation of Waqf properties belonging to Auqaf Department and directed the relevant authorities to take effective and practical measures in coordination with other departments to reclaim the occupied land.
He regretted the failure to take adequate steps to protect Waqf land and prevent illegal encroachments. He also directed the authorities to recover outstanding dues from the occupants and register FIRs against those involved.
He issued these directives while chairing a meeting held to review performance of Auqaf Department, Waqf properties and administrative matters. Auqaf Administrator Gul Nawaz Khan and relevant officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Advisor was given a detailed briefing on the Waqf properties, relevant laws, ongoing activities, court cases, challenges and overall performance.
Maulana Tayyab Qureshi also directed the authorities to take necessary measures to recover outstanding dues from various government departments. The briefing also covered the department’s human resources, administrative structure , laws and regulations governing Waqf properties.
Advisor Tayyab Qureshi stressed the need for a coordinated strategy with relevant departments to protect Waqf properties, eliminate illegal occupations and reclaim the land.