RAWALPINDI, June 5: The government has directed that the word ‘poor’ be substituted with ‘deserving’ in the Zakat application forms of the hospitals for patients who cannot afford the treatment.

This was stated by Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Mufti Ghulam Sarwar Qadri. He was speaking at the Zonal Seerat Conference held at the District Council Hall here.

This step, he said, was being taken to safeguard the dignity of the patients benefiting from the assistance. He said the Zakat and Ushr system was being revamped for the benefit of deserving people.

He announced that clerics employed with the Auqaf department would be provided several incentives to improve their living conditions. He said the salary structures of the Auqaf clerics would be improved. The clerics, he said, would be paid salaries compatible with their capabilities and knowledge.

He said houses would be constructed on Auqaf land for the clerics. “We want to solve the problems being faced by the clerics so that they can concentrate on their religious duties,” he added.

Mr Qadri said the government had further decided that Auqaf funds would not be allowed to lapse in future and be fully utilized during the relevant fiscal year. The Auqaf funds’ share for renovation of shrines, assistance for the needy and payment of salaries of the clerics and department’s employees would be released promptly, he said.