September 13, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: The government spent over Rs20 million on upkeep of various mosques in the capital during the financial year 2002-03, and for the current fiscal year, the amount has been increased by Rs1.875 million.

This was stated by interior minister Faisal Saleh Hayat in a written reply to a question by Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali in the National Assembly on Friday.

Giving break-up of the amount spent on welfare of mosques, the minister said Rs10.195 million was paid as salary to Khateebs, Moazzins, Khadims and Muddaras, who were serving in the Auqaf mosques. Similarly, Rs5.86 million was spent on payment of utility bills. An amount of Rs1.5 million was spent on repair and renovation of six mosques; Rs642,450 on provision of physical facilities (like matting); Rs87,000 on payment to Hufaz and Samays, who recited Quran in ‘Salat-o-Taraveeh’ in the month of Ramazan.

He said next year, Rs110,000 more would be spent on repair and renovation of mosques, and Rs77,550 on provision of physical facilities.

Replying to a question of Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, the interior minister said Rs6.9 million had been allocated for the beautification of 97 parks of the capital in the current financial year.

He said a 228 strong staff had been deputed for maintenance of nine parks.

He said 11 parks were developed in I-8, I-9 and I-10 sectors in the last two years, and three more would be developed in these sectors during the current financial year.

Giving break-up of the staff deputed at nine parks, the minister said 51 people were working in Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9); 50 in Marghzar; Bhara Kahu Park, 50; Rawal Park, 20; Shakarparian, 20; Rose and Jasmine Garden, 18; Children Playland, 15; Argentina Park, two members; Hill Park, Embassy Road, two.

A list of all parks located in the capital was also provided by the minister. According to the list, most of the parks (41) are located in ‘G’ sectors, followed by 30 in ‘F’ sectors.

According to the list, the parks situated in Islamabad are E-7 Park; Minister’s Colony Park, F-5/2; Children Park, Diplomatic Enclave; Ladies Park, Diplomatic Enclave; PSO Park; Sumuro Park, F-7/2; Sheikh Chili Park, F-7/3; Jubilee Park (F- 7/4); Nullah Park (F-7/4); Shaukat Hayat Park (F-6/2); Do Piaza Park, F-6/3; Kohsar Park, F-6/3; Hill Park, F-6/3; Ladies Park, G-6/1; Argentina Park, G-6/2; G-6/3 Park near Covered Market; Rock Garden, G-6/4; Children Park, G-7/3; Ladies Park, G-8/1; Fatima Jinnah Park, F-9; Rawal Park; Shakarparian; Rose and Jasmine Garden; Children Playland; Bhara Kahu Park and Marghzar.