Punjab Auqaf department is establishing Punjab Institute of Quranic and Seerat studies for researchers, scholars, and academicians" at the cost of Rs 40 million. Finance department sources told Business Recorder that a total of Rs 100 million have been allocated for development schemes of the Auqaf and Religious Affairs department for FY 2016-17.
A total of 2 new schemes costing Rs 45 million have been included in the department's development portfolio for 2016-17. The most noteworthy addition to departmental schemes for 2016-17 has been the inclusion of the scheme titled "Establishment of Quran Museum/Library in the Punjab Institute of Quranic and Seerat studies for researchers, scholars, and academicians" for which Rs 40 million have been allocated.
They said that the inclusion of this project reiterates Auqaf department's commitment to facilitate researchers and academicians in the best possible manner by providing them access to information and other relevant resources needed to conduct research.
Another related scheme titled "Documentation, Survey and Preservation of existing features of historical-cum-religious monuments to facilitate researchers, academicians and intellectuals" has been included in the ADP for 2016-17. In addition to this, a block allocation of Rs 38 million has been made for new initiatives. They recalled that during 2015-16, a total of Rs 99.8 million was spent on 15 projects. These include: Completion of Quran and Seerat Complex, Completion of re-construction of the Shrine of Hazrat Madhu-lal-Hussain, and Construction of retaining wall and electrification work at the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam.
They emphasised that in the wake of growing religious intolerance and heightening sectarian violence, there is an added responsibility on the Auqaf department to promote religious and sectarian peace, harmony and brotherhood. In addition to that, Auqaf department is striving to provide improved standards of religious services and facilities at mosques and shrines and is doing its best to ensure the existence of a peaceful environment for devotees. The department is also endeavouring to standardise the publication of Holy Quran. Repairing, re-habilitating and reconstructing shrines and mosques in neglected and far-flung areas also features on the department's agenda.