January 31, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 1, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 30: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan Niazi on Monday blasted the Punjab government alleging that it had destroyed the Zakat and Ushr system in the province.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly during the question hour, the minister alleged that favourites were being appointed as chairmen of the Zakat and Ushr committees in Punjab and no deserving person was getting assistance.

“Gamblers and drug suppliers have been made chairmen of the Zakat committees in the province,” Dr Niazi said, adding that billions of rupees were being embezzled and this could be proved through a judicial inquiry.

Responding to the points raised by Dr Sher Afgan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq said his ministry had nothing to do with the appointment and elections of chairmen of the committees in provinces. He said only a serving or a retired Supreme Court judge was appointed as chairman of the Central Zakat and Ushr Committee.

Mr Haq said at present the acting Chief Election Commissioner (Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar) was working as the chairman of the committee on a temporary basis.

Some other members also wanted to speak on the issue, but Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain asked them to bring some motion or resolution to discuss the issue and he was ready to have a comprehensive debate on the topic.