Christian cemetery land probe begins

The Cooperative Department has formally begun proceedings into the alleged disappearance and misappropriation of Christian cemetery land in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad following a notice issued by the Chairman of the Senate Minority Committee, Senator Dinesh Kumar.

Meanwhile, the first burial has taken place on the proposed cemetery land of the Roman Catholic Cooperative Society. A senior member of the society, Fazilat Bibi, was laid to rest there amid intense confrontation on Thursday. A large number of members of the Christian community attended the burial, while attempts by police and influential individuals to stop it remained unsuccessful.

The Registrar of the Cooperative Department held a hearing on the alleged misappropriation of the cemetery land. Former society president Tariq Sultan Joshi, who allegedly built his house on part of the cemetery land and approved a plot for a 10-marla commercial plaza, failed to appear despite being summoned.

Taking serious notice of his absence, the Registrar issued another summons to the former president, directing him to appear next week along with his response.

Notices have also been issued to individuals who, under directions from the Federal Ministry of Minorities' Section Officer, allegedly failed to deposit funds and fees into the government treasury, requiring them to deposit the outstanding amounts. The case concerning the cemetery land was filed by newly elected Roman Catholic Cooperative Society president Sarfraz Francis Vicky.