Outstanding dues: Auqaf dept seeking funds to pay bills

ISLAMABAD:

The Auqaf Department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is preparing a fresh case to get a supplementary grant to clear outstanding utility bills of the 86 mosques that it manages in Islamabad.

The arrears have climbed up to Rs22.6 million.

An official said on Sunday that they are allotted Rs5 million every year for  utility bills, which is not nearly enough to pay the bills.

He said the department has repeatedly asked the concerned ministry for additional funds so that the arrears, accrued in the past 20 years, can be paid.

The department owes Sui Northern Gas company Rs11.539 million,
while IESCO Rs11.061 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2012.