MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE ROOM OF MR. G. ARMED, SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR, GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN, TO DISCUSS THE
QUESTION OF PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLACES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN Karachi, 1 and 4 August 1953
1. Mr. Mehr Chand Khanna, Adviser, Ministry of Rehabilitation.
2. Mr. K.P. Mathrani, I.C.S., Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rehabilitation.
3. Mr. P.G Zachariah, Deputy Secretary. PAKISTAN
1. Mr. Ahmed E.H. Jaffer, Adviser, Ministry of the Refugees and Rehabilitation.
2. Mr. G. Ahmed PSY., Secretary, Ministry of the Interior. The question of places of religious worship was discused. It was felt that
:
(i) Every effort should be made to ensure that places of religious worship in both countries are properly protected and maintained
and their sanctity preserved particularly in the case of buildings of historical importance; buildings which have been damaged should
be repaired;
(ii) increased facilities for visits to places of worship in both countries should be granted to pilgrims on their auspicious days;
the Sewadars and Ehadims at such places of worship should be granted facilities for residence and adequate protection; and
(iii) the question of properties attached to these shrines should be dealt with separately from the general question of Trust properties.
It was suggested by Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior that the matter should be discussed further with the Ministry of Refugees
& Rehabilitation, Government of Pakistan, who are concerned with it.
2. The proposal regarding the appointment of a joint commission of the representatives of the two Governments for enquiring into matters
referred to in paragraph 1 above and for making a factual survey about the condition of the important shrines and holy places after
visiting.them and making recommendations in the light of such enquiries and survey, was considered and it was felt that its further
consideration should be deferred to a later stage.
