Auqaf Land: Understanding its Role in Islamabad Capital Territory

Auqaf Land Introduce

Welcome to our in-depth guide on Auqaf Land in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Many residents in Islamabad may have heard the term "Auqaf" but might not be fully aware of its significance and the role it plays in our community. In simple terms, "Auqaf Land" refers to properties and assets managed by the Auqaf Department. This department, operating under the ICT Administration, is entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing religious endowments (waqf properties) and ensuring their proper utilization for public welfare and religious purposes. This includes the management and maintenance of mosques, shrines, and other associated facilities across Islamabad.

The Auqaf Department's work is vital for maintaining the spiritual and communal fabric of our city. They work diligently to uphold the sanctity of religious sites, provide essential services to worshippers, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community through various initiatives. For those living in and around Farash Town, understanding the functions of Auqaf Land and the department behind it can offer valuable insights into the resources available and the efforts being made to serve the local population. This article aims to shed light on this important aspect of our city, providing clear and factual information for all residents of Islamabad Capital Territory.

Auqaf Land, specifically associated with the Auqaf Department in Islamabad, is strategically located at J6V2+958, Lehtrar Rd, Farash Town Phase I, Farash Town, Islamabad, Pakistan. This location places it within a well-known residential and developing area of the capital, making it accessible to a significant portion of the local population. Farash Town Phase I is a residential hub, and its proximity to Lehtrar Road ensures convenient access for residents from various parts of Islamabad, especially those residing in the southern and eastern sectors of the city.

For those traveling by personal vehicle, Lehtrar Road serves as a primary artery, connecting Farash Town to other key areas of Islamabad. The road network in this vicinity is generally well-maintained, facilitating smooth travel. Public transport options are also available, with local buses and ride-hailing services providing convenient means of reaching the location. The specific address ensures that finding the Auqaf Department's offices and any associated facilities is straightforward for local users familiar with the Farash Town area. The central yet accessible location within Farash Town makes it a practical point of contact for community members seeking information or services related to Auqaf properties.

The Auqaf Department in Islamabad, through its management of Auqaf Land, offers a range of crucial services focused on religious and community welfare. These services are designed to facilitate the proper functioning of religious institutions and support the broader community.

Management and Maintenance of Mosques and Shrines: The department is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and overall administration of numerous mosques and shrines throughout Islamabad. This ensures that these sacred spaces are well-maintained and conducive for worship and religious activities.
Appointment of Functionaries: They oversee the appointment of Imams, Khateebs, and other necessary staff for mosques and shrines under their management, ensuring qualified individuals are in place to lead religious services and activities.
Provision of Physical Facilities: The Auqaf Department provides essential physical facilities to the mosques and shrines it manages, including items such as carpets (safs) and prayer mats (durrees), contributing to the comfort of worshippers.
Payment of Utility Bills: The department covers the electricity and sui gas bills for the Auqaf-managed mosques, easing the financial burden on these religious institutions and ensuring their continuous operation.
Organization of Religious Competitions and Events: They regularly organize Naat (poetry in praise of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and Qirat (recitation of the Holy Quran) competitions, as well as Mehfil-e-Shabeena (night-long gatherings for Quran recitation), promoting religious education and engagement within the community.
Holding of Urs and Religious Functions: The department facilitates and manages Urs (annual death anniversaries of Sufi saints) and other significant religious functions at Auqaf-managed shrines, drawing devotees and fostering spiritual gatherings.
Development of Religious Complexes: Efforts are made towards the development and enhancement of religious complexes, such as the complex of Hazrat Barri Imam (RA), to provide better facilities for visitors and pilgrims.
Constitution of Masjid Committees: In both Auqaf and non-Auqaf mosques in urban areas of Islamabad, the department assists in the constitution of Masjid Committees, promoting community involvement in mosque management.
Liaison for Deeni Madaris Registration: The Auqaf Department forwards registration cases of Deeni Madaris (religious seminaries) to the concerned government departments, playing a role in the formalization and regulation of religious education institutions.
Religious Ceremonies at Shrines: They facilitate various religious ceremonies at shrines to provide improved services and a conducive environment for Zaireen (pilgrims).
Waqf Property Management: Beyond religious sites, the department is involved in the administration and leasing of waqf properties, including agricultural and commercial lands, with the generated revenue being utilized for the maintenance of religious institutions and welfare activities.

The Auqaf Department, responsible for Auqaf Land, stands out due to several key features and highlights that underscore its significant role in Islamabad Capital Territory. These aspects make it a crucial entity for the local community.

Extensive Portfolio of Religious Sites: The department manages and maintains a substantial number of mosques and shrines across Islamabad. This extensive network ensures that religious facilities are well-cared for and accessible to a wide range of residents, supporting daily prayers and special religious observances.
Focus on Community Welfare: Beyond just physical upkeep, a core objective of the Auqaf Department is to promote religious harmony among various Muslim sects and inter-faith harmony among all communities in Islamabad. This commitment to social cohesion is a vital aspect of their work.
Financial Self-Sufficiency (in part): The Auqaf Administrator's office operates as a partially self-generating body, covering its daily expenditures from its own revenue sources. These sources include rents/lease amounts received from waqf properties (both agricultural and commercial), demonstrating a sustainable model for its operations.
Revenue Utilization for Religious and Charitable Purposes: The income generated from waqf properties is directly utilized for the repair and maintenance of mosques and shrines, salaries of staff, and other religious welfare and charitable purposes. This ensures that the endowments directly benefit the community as intended by the waqifs (donors).
Promoting Religious Education and Culture: Through organizing events like Husn-e-Qirat competitions, Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) conferences, and Mehfil-e-Shabina, the department actively promotes religious education, Islamic values, and cultural enrichment within the community.
Custodian of Waqf Properties: The department acts as a custodian of waqf properties, ensuring their proper administration and safeguarding them from encroachment. This includes conducting precise measurements, updating revenue records, and demarcating property boundaries.
Collaboration with Ulema Advisory Committee: The formation of an Ulema Advisory Committee, comprising scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, allows for collective wisdom in resolving issues pertaining to mosques and their functionaries, fostering a collaborative approach to religious matters.
Support for Minority Affairs: While primarily focused on Islamic endowments, the Auqaf Department also plays a role in safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of minorities, demonstrating an inclusive approach to community service.
Transparency in Property Management: The department engages in regular auctions for the lease of agricultural and commercial waqf properties, advertised in national dailies, ensuring transparency and providing opportunities for public participation.

As a government department managing public endowments, the Auqaf Department primarily focuses on its mandated services and the optimal utilization of waqf properties for public welfare and religious purposes. Therefore, direct "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense are not typically offered. Their operational model revolves around fulfilling their duties as custodians of religious and charitable endowments.

However, local users can benefit indirectly from the department's activities through the continuous provision of well-maintained religious facilities and community services at no direct cost. For instance, the organization of free religious events, such as Naat and Qirat competitions and Mehfil-e-Shabeena, can be seen as a form of community promotion, fostering religious engagement and cultural enrichment without any fees.

Furthermore, opportunities arise for local individuals and businesses through the transparent auctioning of agricultural and commercial waqf lands for lease. These auctions, regularly advertised in national dailies, present opportunities for interested parties to acquire land for various purposes, contributing to local economic activity. While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, these auctions represent a significant economic opportunity provided by the department that benefits local businesses and individuals.

For detailed information on upcoming auctions or specific initiatives that might indirectly benefit local residents or businesses, it is advisable to consult the official channels of the Auqaf Department or keep an eye on advertisements in leading newspapers.

For any inquiries, information, or to engage with the Auqaf Department regarding Auqaf Land and its associated services, please use the following contact details:

Address: J6V2+958, Lehtrar Rd, Farash Town Phase I, Farash Town, Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone Number: While a specific direct line for the Farash Town office may not be publicly listed, the general contact numbers for the ICT Administration's Auqaf Department are often used for inquiries. Please note that these numbers are subject to change, so it's always best to verify. Based on publicly available information, you may try the following numbers for the ICT Administration's Auqaf Department:

051-9261508
051-9108064

It is recommended to call during standard business hours (typically Monday to Friday). For more specific information or to confirm the most current contact details, it is advisable to check the official website of the ICT Administration or relevant government directories.

Auqaf Land, managed by the Auqaf Department in Islamabad, is exceptionally suitable for locals in Islamabad Capital Territory for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its core mission revolves around serving the community by managing religious endowments. This means that the properties and resources under Auqaf’s care are inherently dedicated to public welfare, particularly in religious and charitable domains. For residents, this translates to access to well-maintained mosques and shrines for spiritual needs, facilitating religious practices and fostering a sense of community.

Secondly, the strategic location of the Auqaf Department in Farash Town Phase I, along Lehtrar Road, ensures convenient accessibility for a significant portion of Islamabad’s population. Residents from neighboring areas can easily reach the offices and associated facilities, making it a practical point for inquiries, participation in religious events, or seeking any related services. This localized presence strengthens its relevance and utility for the immediate community.

Furthermore, the services offered by the Auqaf Department, such as the organization of religious competitions, the provision of physical facilities in mosques, and the maintenance of shrines, directly enrich the lives of locals. These initiatives contribute to the cultural and spiritual well-being of the community, offering opportunities for engagement and learning. The department's commitment to promoting religious harmony also fosters a more inclusive and peaceful environment, which is highly beneficial for all residents.

Lastly, the transparency in the management of waqf properties, including the public auctioning of agricultural and commercial lands, can indirectly benefit local entrepreneurs and businesses by providing legitimate opportunities for lease and development. This demonstrates a broader contribution to the local economy. In essence, Auqaf Land and the department managing it are integral to the religious infrastructure and social fabric of Islamabad, making it a truly suitable and beneficial entity for the city’s residents.