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Sindh Auqaf’s Delays Ignite Statewide Unrest Over the Masooma-e-Sindh Shrine Construction

Press Conference on Bibi Masooma Sindh Shrine construction delay

HYDERABAD: After consistently countering the prolonged mischief and various schemes of extremist groups, the construction of the sacred mausoleum of Masooma-e-Sindh, Bibi Maham Khadija (SA) bint Imam Musa Kazim (AS), finally began under the clear directives of the Sindh High Court Circuit Bench Hyderabad.

However, due to the delaying tactics and obstructive methods employed by certain officials within the Auqaf Department Sindh itself, the construction of the holy shrine has been completely halted for several months without any valid reason.

Despite widespread and prolonged public protests, the construction remains entirely suspended—reflecting that these intense and persistent demonstrations have had no impact on the concerned officials of the Auqaf Department, who appear determined to continue their conspiratorial delay tactics.

Their apathy has created deep anxiety and unrest among thousands of pilgrims who visit from across the country and continue to suffer various hardships due to the halt in construction. This growing frustration is pushing them toward public protest against the conduct of the Auqaf officials. Yet, the construction of the Mausoleum of Masooma-e-Sindh remains at a complete standstill.

These views were expressed by Sindh’s renowned and senior Noha Khwans—Mir Imdad Ali Peeral Talpur, Agha Syed Mehr Ali Shah, and others, while addressing an important meeting of Noha Khwans from various cities of Sindh, held at Abbasi Library, Qasimabad.

They stated that if certain officials within the Auqaf Department do not cease these obstructive tactics, the Noha Khwans of Sindh will begin a series of visits across the province to mobilize Azadars for province-wide protests.

Following this, a major press conference will be held at the Karachi Press Club in January, during which a phase-wise protest movement will be announced against the regrettable conduct of the Auqaf Department.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.