ISLAMABAD-
Minister of State for Interior Baligur Rehman told Senate in its Friday’s session that 23 religious seminaries in three provinces are receiving funding from the Middle Eastern countries namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, private media reported.
The information was compiled on the basis of a report sent by provincial Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera. However, Rehman said he would not support or defend the statements made by the IGP on the matter.
According to the report presented before the Senate, 23 religious seminaries in the country are receiving foreign assistance.
Out of the 23 seminaries, five belong to the Shia sect and are located in Balochistan while other seminaries are based in KP, Sindh and Balochistan and are part of the Sunni sect. No information was given with regards to the province of Punjab.
On a demand made by Senator Sughra Imam, acting Chairman of the Senate Sabir Ali Baloch referred the question to Senate Privileges Committee with directives that IG of Punjab police may be summoned before the committee to explain the case of foreign assistance being received by religious seminaries in Punjab.
The federal minister further stated in the Senate that all the financial transactions of religious seminaries and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) would be monitored according to the anti-money laundering law.
Rehman also told the Upper House of the Parliament that some of the NGOs are receiving assistance from the United States, Netherlands and Australia.
Earlier, the opposition also walked out from the proceedings of the House over the absence of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and Minister of State for Interior.
Later, Rehman showed up at the house and responded to the questions relating to the Interior Ministry following the directives of the Chairman Senate.
The session of the Senate has been adjourned till Monday at 4 pm.
