News Detail
Event Title: Senator Danesh Kumar, Convener "Minority Caucus" presiding over a meeting of the Caucus at Parliament House, Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-09-01
Senate Minority Caucus Committee Takes Up Key Matters Regarding Minority Recruitment, Relocation, and Restoration of Historical Religious Sites
The Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities met under the convenorship of Senator Danesh Kumar the committee to deliberate on critical issues surrounding minority rights, recruitment quotas in Islamabad Police, informal settlements, and the rehabilitation of historical worship places in the federal capital, Expressing strong displeasure over the absence of the IG Islamabad Police, the Chairman issued a final warning to the police department while scrutinizing its current recruitment drive for 1,588 positions to ensure full compliance with the 5 percent minority quota and the inclusion of carried-forward backlog posts in line with Supreme Court directives.
Turning to urban development, the committee reviewed briefings from Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials regarding 10 recognized and several unrecognized Katchi Abadis across Islamabad, directing strict vigilance to prevent any further illegal expansions. Additionally, the committee evaluated the status of compensation for displaced residents, ordered an internal inquiry into past double-compensation irregularities, and discussed the handing over of intact, non-functional historical sites—including the 16th-century Rama Mandir, Gurdwara, and Dharamshala in Saidpur Village—to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for immediate restoration, reuse, and fair land reassessment.
Addressing the issue of informal settlements, MNA Naveed Amir highlighted that approximately 100,000 minority voters reside in Kachi Abadi areas, urging the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the government to devise a compassionate policy that provides suitable alternative housing in peaceful locations without causing financial harm or emotional distress. The committee directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to maintain strict vigilance against further illegal expansions and mandated that no illegal religious structure be demolished without formulating a proper alternative mechanism to avoid hurting religious sentiments.
Furthermore, the committee appreciated the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for its active engagement, resolving that the committee will conduct an on-site visit to Saidpur Village to inspect the 16th-century Mandir, Gurdwara, and Dharamshala prior to opening them to the public. Finally, the Committee directed CDA officials to submit comprehensive reports on the Dharamshala at Rawal Lake and present a detailed briefing on minority graveyard allocations during the next meeting.
The Committee was attended by MNAs Dr.Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Naveed Aamir, Ms Neelam and State Minister Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, along with DIG Islamabad Police, Senior Officials of CDA, Chairman ETPB and relevant officers.