Islamabad: A Senate committee convened to assess the challenges faced by minority communities concerning the availability, management, and capacity of graveyards in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The meeting also focused on the alleged encroachment of land earmarked for Christian graveyards within the Roman Catholic Christian Cooperative Housing Society, Humak.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session was attended by several senators and members of the National Assembly, including Poonjo Bheel and Khalil Tahir Sandhu, along with senior officials from relevant ministries. The committee was briefed on the status of various cemeteries designated for Christian and other minority communities, with specific attention to their locations, current capacity, and management under the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad.

During the meeting, it was noted that several Christian graveyards had reached full capacity, prompting discussions on available space and management practices. The committee was also briefed on the status of other minority graveyards, including those managed by the Qadiani, Bahai, and Ismaili communities. Concerns were raised about the need for boundary walls and additional facilities at these sites.

Further details were provided about land allocation and management issues within the Roman Catholic Christian Cooperative Housing Society. The society has faced challenges related to encroachment and unauthorized plot allocation, with some cases pending before the civil court in Islamabad. An inquiry and special audit have been initiated to address any irregularities.

The committee directed authorities to submit a comprehensive report on these matters, emphasizing the importance of effective oversight and resolution of issues affecting minority communities. A follow-up session is scheduled in three weeks to review progress, with the Ministry of Human Rights expected to provide additional insights on broader minority rights issues.