Islamabad: Residents of Soan Garden Housing Society have demanded immediate allocation of land for a new graveyard after the existing cemetery reportedly reached full capacity within six years.
In a joint statement, representatives of affected residents said the issue had created a serious humanitarian concern for more than 25,000 people living in the housing society, as no space was now available for burials in the existing cemetery.
They alleged that the society management had failed to take effective steps to address the basic need of burial space. The residents said the management committee, instead of focusing on essential civic facilities, was involved in controversial matters concerning Block G.
According to the statement, the residents raised concerns over alleged illegal affiliation in Block G, changes to the approved layout plan and irregularities related to land. They further alleged that land reserved for the cemetery and other welfare purposes was being targeted for commercial use.
The residents also expressed concern over what they termed the silence of the relevant supervisory authorities, saying the situation had become more complicated due to lack of timely action.
The affected residents appealed to the Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and Registrar of Cooperative Societies to immediately allocate land for a new graveyard for Soan Garden residents.
They also demanded a complete audit of the original layout plan approved by the CDA. The residents said any land reserved for the cemetery or public welfare purposes, if illegally occupied, should be recovered.
The statement also called for an immediate investigation into the alleged illegal affiliation in Block G and claims of changes in the approved land area. The residents urged the authorities to identify those responsible and take legal action if any wrongdoing was established.
They warned that if the authorities failed to take practical steps to resolve the shortage of burial space, the residents would stage peaceful protests outside the relevant offices and approach the higher courts.
The residents further demanded a transparent review of all records related to the cemetery, welfare land and Block G, saying the facts should be made public and responsibility fixed.
The statement was issued by the Representative Committee for Affected Residents of Soan Garden Islamabad. For further information, residents may contact Naila Jabeen, head of Dast-e-Shafqat Women Wing Islamabad, associated with the Water Environment Public Safety Council Islamabad, National Action Committee for Public Rights Pakistan and Civil Society Alliance Islamabad.
