Islamabad: The meeting of Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas, chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, convened today in Islamabad and review the facilities at minoritiesβ holy sites, revenues and lacking. Committee also review the INGOs projects, working, sources and interest areas.
The meeting was attended by Senators Jan Muhammad, Fawzia Arshad, Falak Naz Danesh Kumar, Mashal Azam, Aimal Wali Khan and Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto.
The Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas was briefed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) regarding financial expenditures, projects, and initiatives in less-developed areas. The Committee was informed that 17 Gurdwaras and 14 Mandirs are currently functional under the ETPB.
Senator Danesh Kumar expressed concerns over the neglect of minority religious sites in Balochistan. The State Minister clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, while the federal government may extend support upon a formal request from the province. The Chairman emphasized that the Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan is among the most prestigious spiritual sites for the Hindu community worldwide, yet it remains deprived of basic facilities. He questioned the utilization of revenues generated from the site and directed the Ministry to submit a report on existing facilities and deficiencies in the next meeting. The Committee further recommended that all minority religious sites in Balochistan be developed with essential facilities to promote religious tourism and generate revenue.
The Minister of State, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, informed the Committee that the Ministry has been allocated Rs. 80 million for minority religious sites, which is insufficient for site maintenance and stipends for caretakers. The ETPB reported that between 2015 and 2025, they generated Rs. 28,457 million in revenue, incurred Rs. 23,417 million in expenditures, and recorded a surplus of Rs. 5,039 million. The Chairman directed the ETPB to provide details of its properties, including size, value, and a third-party evaluation report, within three days.
The Committee expressed serious concern over delays in the appointment of the ETPB Chairman and Board Members. The State Minister assured that the post of Chairman would be advertised next week, with an appointment finalized within three months, while the Board selection process would be completed within one month. A subcommittee under Senator Danesh Kumar was constituted to review the Ministryβs progress on multiple issues.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Economic Affairs Division (EAD) informed the Committee that 112 International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) are registered with MoI, of which 90 are functional and 76 have submitted data. Country-wise, the registered INGOs include those from the USA (37), UK (22), Germany (14), France (6), Switzerland (5), Canada (3), Australia (2), Japan (5), and others (18). These organizations are mainly engaged in health, sports, science and technology, climate change, disaster relief, research, and poverty alleviation.
The Committee noted the lack of a centralized authority to oversee INGO operations, funding, donations, and project outcomes. The Special Secretary, MoI, proposed handing over this responsibility to the Planning Commission. The Chairman recommended establishing a dedicated department to regulate INGOs and present quarterly reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
