KOHAT, Jan 16: The NWFP minister for Ushr, Zakat, social welfare and women development, Hafiz Hashmat Khan, has directed the officials to ensure judicious distribution of Zakat and its proper utilization by the people in small businesses.

He warned the ministry officials of legal action against those found involved in malpractice.

Mr Khan was speaking on Wednesday at a cheques distribution ceremony held at the district council hall and gave away cheques worth Rs10.63 million to the poor people under the permanent rehabilitation scheme.

He regretted that in spite of distribution of large amount of money under the head of Zakat among the poor during the last so many years no visible change was seen in the society.

The minister asked the chairman of the district Zakat committee to ensure that the amount meant for the poor was distributed among the deserving people and utilized properly in starting small businesses by them.

He stressed that a fool proof strategy should be worked out for the purpose.

He, however, said that the amount was too small to bring a change in the life style of the poor people but if utilized properly it could help change their position through proper investment.

Taking notice of malpractice in the distribution of Zakat he warned the officials that any one found involved in misappropriation would be dealt sternly.

He announced that under the new strategy the cheques of Zakat would be distributed in the presence of the poor.

Mr Khan said that the provincial government of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal had taken control of the power reins to serve the people and work for the glory of Islam and Pakistan.

HE SAID: “The principles of Islam are a panacea of all problems therefore we should mould our lives according to the teachings of Quran and Sunnah.”