KARACHI, Feb 14: The Sindh Ombudsman, Justice Haziqul Khairi, while taking suo motu notice of maladministration at graveyards, has opined that public and scholars’ opinion could be sought on whether Sharia provides for the vertical extension of a graveyard, construction of parking site over a graveyard or additional underground facility for more burials.
Citing congestion and lack of adequate burial facilities in different graveyards of the metropolis, the ombudsman observed that if permissible under Sharia, such measures would not only provide extra space for the purpose but also facilitate people in parking their vehicles and generate funds for the city government.
According to the information provided by the city government to the ombudsman, there are 187 graveyards in the metropolis. In addition to the existing 64 graveyards, nine sites have been identified for the same purpose. Twentyfive graveyards have very little whereas 39 others have a reasonable space for more burials.
Regarding vertical extension of the existing graveyards, the ombudsman deems it expedient to invite comments from public also besides scholars of Islamic Learning departments of various universities in the country.
Dr Shadi Khan Larik, Professor of Islamic Studies at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, is of the view that graves can be raised vertically in case of an acute shortage of burial space. However, all other university scholars dispute his view. They say that a body must be buried under the earth.
The ombudsman has been reminded that Memon Masjid at Boulton Market was built over a graveyard whereas the PECHS graveyard had graves over graves.
The ombudsman secretariat has announced holding of a seminar on ‘Maladministration in graveyards’ in the last week of April.
Though the city government has made amendments to the revised by-laws, a notification is yet to be issued. During the debate for the amendments, it was noted that the city government did not have a say in the management of revenues from graveyards and that the money used to be usurped by the mafia which actually ran the affairs.—PPI
