Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kheal Das Kohistani, has said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) is effectively fulfilling its responsibility of preserving, restoring and maintaining historic temples, Gurdwaras and religious heritage, while extending exemplary hospitality and services to pilgrims visiting Pakistan from around the world.
He stated that, in line with the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, effective measures will be taken to ensure the prompt resolution of all administrative and legal issues faced by the Board.
He made these remarks after receiving a detailed briefing during his visit to the ETPB Head Office. Upon his arrival, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman welcomed the Minister of State.
During the briefing, Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman apprised the Minister of the Board’s administrative and financial challenges. He stated that the absence of a fully constituted Board has created difficulties in carrying out administrative affairs efficiently. He further informed the Minister that the deduction of Rs. 2 billion in taxes by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from the Trust Institution’s accounts has caused significant financial constraints, adversely affecting the Board’s annual revenue.
On the occasion, the Minister of State assured that the issues faced by the ETPB in its capacity as a trust institution—particularly tax deductions and other administrative challenges—would be addressed on a priority basis. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to finding effective and sustainable solutions to strengthen the Board, enabling it to perform its religious, social and welfare responsibilities for minority communities more effectively.
Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq, while briefing the Minister, informed him that restoration and conservation work is currently underway at Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, Peshawar; Gurdwara Bhai Karam Singh, Jhelum; Gurdwara Panja Sahib; and Baoli Mandir, Narowal. He further stated that a comprehensive master plan is also being prepared for the restoration of Sadhu Bela Mandir, Sukkur.
The Secretary further highlighted that, as part of the Board’s modernization initiatives, advanced technologies including satellite imagery, e-Office, online billing, geo-tagging, Management Information System (MIS), e-Billing, and technological support from SUPARCO have been introduced to improve governance and operational efficiency.
Nasir Mushtaq also informed the Minister that the Evacuee Trust Property Board has undertaken effective operations against the land mafia to recover valuable trust properties, resulting in the successful retrieval of numerous high-value properties from illegal occupants.
