Rawalpindi: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony convened to address pressing issues surrounding Property No. U-1257, known as “Dam Dama Sahib Gurdwara,” located in Rawalpindi. The meeting, chaired by Senator Danesh Kumar with the participation of Senators Atta ul Haq and Nasir Mehmood, focused on the property’s legal status, allegations of authority misuse, and recent developments.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee expressed concern over the absence of key executive officials, including the Secretary for Religious Affairs and the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). This absence was noted as a challenge to executive accountability. The State Minister for Religious Affairs stated that government policy must guide decisions on such matters. The committee chairperson highlighted that previous instructions, issued on October 7, explicitly prohibited demolition of any structures or shops until a final decision was made, yet demolitions reportedly occurred despite these directives.

The committee reviewed the legal framework of the 4-kanal property, which includes an inner Gurdwara premise and 31 outer commercial units. While the Gurdwara structure remains intact, adjoining properties face demolition, raising concerns about administrative irregularities and alleged bribery. The auction of the property for development, scheduled for January 9, 2024, was also scrutinized. Committee members stressed the inviolability of state-owned properties, including evacuee trust assets, emphasizing that any alterations must comply with legal standards.

To address both legal and humanitarian aspects, the committee requested a comprehensive catalog of all evacuee trust properties, including Gurdwaras and temples in the region. Plans for an on-site inspection of the location were announced, and all relevant officials and stakeholders were summoned to provide complete documentary evidence at the next meeting. The session was attended by the State Minister and representatives from ministerial and ETPB offices.