Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The seven graveyards located in Islamabad are in dilapidated condition due to the indifferent attitude of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

According to a survey, out of the total seven graveyards in the capital city, three are for Christians and other minorities. People said that they faced great difficulty in getting burial space in the graveyard.

Only one out of the three buses used for taking bodies is functional. Citizens face difficulties in shifting the bodies to the graveyards for burial. The government rate for digging a grave is Rs 300. However, the gravediggers are charging Rs 15,000 to 20,000 from citizens.

Similarly, the washrooms in various graveyards are not being cleaned. People who visit the graveyards are compelled to go to nearby mosques for ablution. The electricity generators at the graveyards are also dysfunctional. People have to make their own arrangements for holding funeral services in the evening or at night. The funds approved for the installation of generators had reportedly been misused.

The no objection certificate (NOC) for a new Christian community graveyard has not been issued for more than a year. A total of 69 Capital Development Authority employees have been appointed for managing the affairs of graveyards. However, most of them remain absent from duty.

The Capital Development Authority is not doing anything to maintain the graves. Citizens said they had complained to the city mayor several times. However, no action had been taken so far.