Sindh govt chalking out new strategy

Zakat funds will be handled by the provincial govt, which is trying to legislate new laws in this regard: Zahid Q Alvi

HYDERABAD: After the enactment of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the subsequent abolition of the concurrent list envisaging greater autonomy to provinces, zakat funds [will be handled] by the provincial government, [which] is trying to legislate new laws in this regard, said Sindh Zakat Council chairman Zahid Qurban Alvi.

“The zakat department has prepared a draft of recommendations, outlining a new strategy for obtaining zakat funds from the federal government. These recommendations will soon be sent to the law ministry,” said Alvi while distributing zakat cheques at the Civil Hospital Hyderabad (CHH) and the Government College, Kali Mori, on Saturday.

Currently, the zakat funds are being distributed by the federal government through the National Bank. The Sindh government had decided to chalk out a new strategy to receive these funds, said Alvi, who added that under the new law, the process of deriving funds from the centre as well as the distribution the organisational system of Sindh Zakat Department will be revised.

“The new system will be more transparent and will offer optimum support to the deserving people,” said Alvi, adding that the health and education sectors will also be accorded greater attention.

District Zakat Committee chairman Sher Muhammad Peerzada, Government College, Kali Mori, principal Muhammad Hassan Thebo and CHH medical superintendant Dr Muhammad Nawaz Abassi were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2010.