Press Release Title: Senator Danesh Kumar, Convener Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony presiding over a meeting of the sub-committee at Parliament Lodges Islamabad

Press Release Date: 5th November, 2026

The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony convened today at the Parliament Lodges under the chairmanship of Senator Danesh Kumar and attended by Senators Ațţa ul Haq and Nasir Mehmood to examine the legal status, allegations of misuse of authority, and ongoing developments regarding Property No. U-1257, widely known as "Dam Dama Sahib Gurdwara" in Rawalpindi. Before the discussion the committee expressed serious concern over the absence of key executive officials, including the Secretary for Religious Affairs, the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and the Minister, emphasizing that non-compliance with prior committee directives weakens executive accountability. The State Minister for Religious Affairs affirmed that government policy governs these matters and that official decisions must take precedence. The Chairperson underscored that clear instructions had been given during the previous meeting on October 7 to ensure that no structures or shops were demolished until a final decision was reached, expressing grave concern that demolitions proceeded despite those explicit orders. The committee examined the history and legal parameters of the 4-kanal property, which encompasses an inner Gurdwara premise of 2 kanals and 14 marlas, alongside 31 outer commercial units. Affected residents and committee members highlighted that while the Gurdwara itself remains intact, surrounding structures and adjoining properties are being demolished. Concerns were raised regarding alleged administrative irregularities, bribery, and the auction of the property for development purposes conducted on January 9, 2024. Committee members emphasized that all government and evacuee trust properties belong to the state and cannot be arbitrarily transferred or altered without strict adherence to legal frameworks. Addressing both legal and humanitarian dimensions, the committee directed that a comprehensive list of all evacuee trust properties, including Gurdwaras and temples across the region, be compiled and submitted. The Chairperson reiterated that no individual or authority is permitted to take the law into their own hands or treat public property as private domain. To ensure a transparent and just resolution, the committee announced plans for an on-site visit to inspect the location directly and summoned all relevant officials and stakeholders to the next meeting to present complete documentary evidence.   The committee was attended by the State Minister along with ministerial and ETPB Erepresentatives.