Let there be peace: Funds set aside to create ‘tolerant society’

This year’s allocation is the same as last year’s

LAHORE: The government has announced an allocation of Rs38 million to “meet the current need for religious harmony, tolerance and brotherhood” from the Rs100 million development budget for the Department of Auqaf and Religious Affairs. There has been no increase in the budget for the department compared to last year.

The department is expected to launch two schemes – the establishment of a Quran Museum and Library at the Punjab Institute of Quran and Seerat Studies, and the documentation, survey and preservation of historical-cum-religious monuments. The two schemes will facilitate researchers, scholars, academicians and intellectuals.

The allocation also has provisions for the protection, conservation and sustainable use of Auqaf properties, mosques and shrines; facilitation of pilgrims and devotees; and development of new facilities and promotion of religious harmony.



A major parameter of the allocation policy is to provide improved standards of religious services and facilities at mosques, shrines and a peaceful environment for devotees. Religious harmony and promotion of unity amongst various sects of Islam has been stressed. Standardised publication of the Holy Quran is also a part of the agenda. Shrines and mosques in far-flung areas will also be repaired, rehabilitated and reconstructed.

Under the budget, Rs17 million has been allocated for the extension of a mosque attached to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Daula Wali Gujrat. An amount of Rs40 million has been allocated for the establishment of a Quran Museum and Library at the Punjab Institute of Quranic and Seerat Studies. Rs5 million has been allocated for the documentation, survey and preservation of features of historical-cum-religious monuments.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2016.