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Construction of Masooma-e-Sindh Shrine Nears Completion After Overcoming Legal, Administrative Hurdles

AGHAM KOT: The construction of the shrine complex of Masooma-e-Sindh, Syeda Khadija Maham, daughter of Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.), is progressing rapidly and has reached near its final stages after passing through a series of administrative and legal proceedings, according to a statement issued by the Zaireen Khidmat Committee, Agham Kot, Sindh.

Giving details of the project’s history, the committee said that the Sindh Auqaf Department, through Notification No. 543 dated April 7, 2021, took under its administrative control the shrine along with 74 acres and 24 ghuntas of land at Agham Kot. The step was taken following sustained efforts and applications submitted by Zaireen Khidmat Committee leaders Mukhtiar Ahmed Soomro and Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars.

Subsequently, efforts were intensified to translate the proposed development of the shrine into a formal construction project. Zaireen Khidmat Committee representatives Syed Manzar Naqvi, Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars, Mubasher Mir and Niaz Hussain Laghari remained in continuous contact with officials of the Sindh Auqaf Department through meetings, representations and formal requests.

As a result of these efforts, then Sindh Secretary Auqaf Munawar Ali Mahesar moved forward the approval process for the construction project in early 2024. The foundation stone of the shrine complex was formally laid on February 28, 2024, marking the commencement of construction work.

However, some time after construction activities began, certain local individuals filed Constitutional Petition No. D-756/2024 before the Sindh High Court’s Circuit Bench in Hyderabad, challenging the construction of the shrine. The petition created a legal impediment and affected the progress of the project.

During the proceedings, Advocate Supreme Court Ibad-ul-Hasnain voluntarily represented respondents Zawar Abdul Sattar Dars and Niaz Hussain Laghari and presented their position regarding the construction project before the court.

In early 2025, a two-member bench of the Sindh High Court’s Hyderabad Circuit Bench, after hearing arguments from the parties, dismissed the petition and issued orders that cleared the way for construction of the shrine to proceed.

Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings, construction activities were accelerated. Various administrative and other obstacles that emerged during implementation of the project were also addressed in phases, allowing work to continue steadily.

According to the Zaireen Khidmat Committee, the shrine complex of Masooma-e-Sindh, Syeda Khadija Maham bint Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.), is now approaching the final stages of construction.

Upon completion, the project is expected to provide the revered shrine with a properly developed and dignified complex while also paving the way for improved facilities, better management and more organised arrangements for the large number of devotees and pilgrims visiting Agham Kot.

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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.