Hindu legislator (MNA) questioned Shahbaz Bhatti on funds spent on Hajj /Umra from Minorities funds and Details of maintenance of temples of Hindus and Sikhs, Pakistan

By Rakesh Kumar (PHP Islamabad)
Sunday, June 20, 2010

(Photo : Mr. Krishan Chand Parwani, Memeber of National Assembly of Pakistan)

ISLAMABAD : During the budget debate, minority legislator Mr.Krishna Chand Parwani took on the chairman Pakistan Evacuee Trust for mismanaging the funds for minorities and spending of this amount for Hajj and Umra . Whether performing Hajj and Umra from the funds for minorities was justified, he questioned while asking the minister for minority affairs to look into that matter.

He questioned how much funds were spent for the maintenance of temples of Hindus and Gordawaras of Sikhs.

Parvani also demanded of the government to appoint a judicial commission to probe the affairs of the Pakistan Evacuee Trust. The standing committee of the National Assembly twice summoned the chairman Evacuee Trust but he did not take it seriously, he said.

Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti, while replying to the points raised by the minority member regarding the affairs of the Pakistan Evacuee Trust said the government would look into the issue. The prime minister will also take note of the concerns of the member, he said.

Shahbaz Bhatti termed the budget a step forward towards progress and prosperity.The minister said the government had taken a number of steps for the welfare of minorities as it had implemented five per cent job quota for them.