IN a country where faith is deeply valued, it is surprising that several shrines badly damaged by last year’s floods in Muzaffargarh district have yet to receive any resources for reconstruction, despite many pleas to the authorities concerned. According to a report in this paper, four out of 10 shrines in the district and under the control of the provincial auqaf department were declared dangerous after the floods. These are still awaiting repairs. Not only are basic facilities missing, three shrines are standing on foundations that have been rendered shaky after the floods. With reportedly more devotees flocking to these shrines, the latter have become potential disaster zones because the damaged structures could give way at any time, especially during urs celebrations. Yet not a single shrine in Muzaffargarh is listed for redevelopment on the provincial auqaf department’s website. This is all the more inexcusable when the shrines’ agricultural, commercial and residential properties are reported to generate some Rs10m annually.

Even if the provincial ruling party does not share the same inclinations as the people who revere the saints of these shrines it should not mean that devotees be deprived of a safe atmosphere for the fulfilment of their religious aspirations. Or is the locality being denied religious flood relief because its residents did not vote for the provincial ruling party in the last general elections? All the five MNAs from Muzaffargarh belong to the federal ruling party. Indeed, it would be unfair to penalise people for their political preferences. The provincial government needs to be reminded of its constitutional obligation. Under the Punjab Waqf Properties Ordinance 1979, it must ensure the well-being and efficient management of holy places like shrines. The auqaf office in Muzaffargarh should be given the proper share of relief resources for shrine reconstruction.