A recent inspection of Waqf Board operations in the border district of Poonch has brought to light serious financial irregularities regarding monthly payments made to Imams not officially appointed under the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board. The revelations have triggered a broader debate about transparency, favoritism, and reform in religious financial administration.
According to reliable sources, the Waqf Board had been disbursing honorariums to multiple Pesh Imams, Khateebs, and caretakers across various mosques and shrines in Poonch district, even though many of them are neither officially designated as Waqf employees nor serving in registered institutions.
Documents accessed during the preliminary inquiry revealed that a significant portion of funds was being distributed to individuals without formal appointment orders, documentation, or adherence to standardized selection norms. This practice, officials admit, was often carried out under social or political pressures, especially in remote villages.
In response to the controversy, the Waqf administration has now tightened its rules, asserting that only formally appointed and verified Imams in registered institutions will receive honorariums going forward. This has prompted a backlash from certain quarters.
Some local religious clerics (Molvis) have raised objections to the new policy, questioning why Waqf is enforcing uniformity in salary disbursement and halting payments to previously accommodated individuals. However, civil society and religious leaders have largely welcomed the move, emphasizing that transparency and fairness must prevail at any cost.
A senior Waqf official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We are committed to streamlining the system. Any disbursement of funds must follow proper protocol. There can be no room for irregularities.”
Prominent voices in the community echoed similar sentiments. Abdul Lateef, a respected local elder, stated:
“We respect our religious leaders, but Waqf funds belong to the community. There must be clarity on who gets paid and under what rules. Selective favoritism must end.”
The development has triggered calls for a public audit of all expenditures and a published list of Waqf-funded Imams and staff in Poonch. Many argue that those with valid documentation and formal appointments must be prioritized.
As the Waqf Board begins to enforce stricter compliance, those opposing reforms have been cautioned that accountability and transparency will not be compromised. The matter continues to stir debate, and citizens across Poonch are closely watching for further developments and official clarification from Waqf headquarters.
