Legal homes allegedly demolished near temple, Senate orders inquiry

The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony ordered an immediate halt to demolition operations around Dham Dama

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony ordered an immediate halt to demolition operations around Dham Dama Temple in Rawalpindi until a special subcommittee completes an inquiry into claims that legal homes and shops are also being demolished.

Local residents and shopkeepers alleged misuse of authority, stating that legally owned or occupied properties were being targeted along with encroachments. The committee took serious notice of the allegations and directed the authorities to fully investigate the matter, examine the complaints of people who have lived in the area for decades and find an appropriate solution.

The Senate committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim. Senator Nasir Mehmood, Senator Hasna Bano, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, the Minister of State for Religious Affairs and senior officials of the Ministry also attended.

The committee expressed serious concern over the continued absence of the Director General Hajj, Jeddah, who had been asked several times to appear before the parliamentary committee to explain his conduct during the senators’ visit to Saudi Arabia.

Members said the Director General Hajj had repeatedly been directed to appear before the committee to explain his dealings with the chairman and other parliamentarians, but he still had not appeared.

The Secretary of Religious Affairs told the committee that the Director General Hajj had been ready to attend the previous meeting scheduled for September 21, 2026. However, when that meeting was postponed, he had to cancel his travel plans.

The Secretary said austerity measures and restrictions on foreign travel had also prevented the Director General Hajj from travelling to Pakistan. He said the ministry would try to obtain an exemption from the authorized forum headed by the Deputy Prime Minister so that the Director General Hajj could attend the next committee meeting.

Senator Nasir Mehmood expressed concern over the conduct of the Director General Hajj and his repeated failure to appear before the committee. He suggested that the ministry provide documentary proof about the cancellation of the Director General Hajj’s air ticket and ensure his attendance at the next meeting.

The committee convener also raised questions about the Director General Hajj continuing in the post even after completion of his term and asked the ministry to provide an update on the appointment of a new Director General.

The Secretary informed the committee that 36 candidates had passed the eligibility stage during the previous recruitment process. A panel containing three candidates was then sent to the Prime Minister, but the panel was not approved and the ministry was directed to start the recruitment process again.

The committee was informed that a fresh recruitment process for the post of Director General Hajj is now underway.

The committee later examined the dispute involving people living and running shops around Dham Dama Temple in Rawalpindi. The Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board told the committee that the property containing the temple and gurdwara covers around two kanals and 14 marlas and is currently affected by encroachments.

According to the ETPB chairman, action against encroachments was started under a development plan for the reconstruction and restoration of the place of worship.

However, residents and shopkeepers rejected the action and alleged that authorities were also demolishing legal properties. They raised questions over the use of official powers and asked for protection of their homes and businesses.

The Senate committee directed the authorities to conduct a complete inquiry into the allegations. After detailed discussion, the convener ordered the formation of a subcommittee to investigate the matter, examine the complaints of people who have been living there for many years and suggest a suitable solution.

The convener also directed that demolition operations should remain stopped until the subcommittee completes its investigation.

The committee deferred the remaining agenda items until its next meeting.