Auqaf dept officials told to refrain from political activities

Through an order issued on Wednesday, the Sindh government’s Auqaf department has banned government officials from participating in politics. Officials said the order was issued by the Sindh Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr Department after consulting with the caretaker government, following which all Zakat chairmen were banned from participating in politics.

The order mentions all the chairmen appointed under sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Sindh Zakat & Ushr Act 2011, and, in this context, the bar contained in the provisions of Section 23 of the Act stipulating them as public servants, read with Section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code 1860.

“All the chairmen working within the territorial jurisdiction of the Sindh Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr Department shall immediately refrain from any kind of involvement in political election-related activities during the General Elections 2024 through physical or moral participation, media or other sources, or extending any material support.

“They shall also guard public property and resources under their responsibility from being used for political and election campaign purposes in direct violation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“In case of any violation, the delinquent chairmen, appointed under sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Sindh Zakat & Ushr Act 2011 will be reported for strict disciplinary action under sections 20 and 28 of the Sindh Zakat & Ushr Act 2011. Furthermore, they may also be penalised under election laws/rules by the competent authority.”

Another issued order reads: “In case of any violation, the delinquent government servants will be reported for strict disciplinary action under the relevant E&D laws and rules.”