KARACHI, Sept 26: Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr, Dr Irfan Gul Magsi has said that he has directed senior officials to take strict action on receiving complaints about favouritism in the distribution of Zakat and any case of deprivation of the due right.

He was talking to newsmen from various places of the province at his office here on Friday.

Dr Magsi said that youths would be provided with funds under Khud rozgar (self-employment) scheme which would help alleviate poverty.

He announced that the cheques pertaining to the scheme as well as Zakat would be handed over to the deserving people in public so as to eliminate chances of corruption and achieve the aim.

He stated that new zakat committees would be constituted after completion of the existing committees’ term. He also declared that the committees would be reorganized.

Dr Magsi said that recommendation would be put forward for improvement in the working of the Provincial Zakat Council and efforts would be made for bringing about a change in the zakat distribution system to safeguard rights of the deserving people.

The minister further announced that a change would be brought about in the Auqaf department and practical steps would be taken for an increase in the income through nazrana from pilgrims and devotees visiting various shrines. The amount would be utilized in increasing facilities and carrying out development work at the shrines.

He said that assets and properties of Auqaf Department would be tabulated so that no one could be able to usurp them.

The minister mentioned that 100 collective weddings through Jahez Fund had been planned and were scheduled for October 25-30.

He said that guidance of ulema would be obtained in matters relating to Zakat and Auqaf and that formation of a committee of various shrines would be considered.

Dr Magsi pointed out that a directorate had been established for solving problems faced by minorities.

He advised people to approach him for the resolution of their genuine problems and held out the assurance that he would try his best to get the grievances redressed.—APP