Islamabad: Residents of Soan Garden Housing Society have called for the immediate allocation of land for a new graveyard, saying the existing cemetery has reportedly reached full capacity within six years.
In a joint statement, representatives of affected residents said more than 25,000 people live in the society, but no burial space is now available in the existing cemetery in the event of a resident’s death. They termed the matter a serious humanitarian issue requiring urgent attention.
The residents alleged that the society’s management had not taken effective measures to address this basic civic need. They claimed that instead of resolving essential public service issues, the management committee was engaged in controversial matters linked to Block G, including alleged illegal affiliation, changes to the approved layout plan and land-related irregularities.
According to the statement, land meant for the cemetery and other welfare purposes was allegedly being targeted for commercial use. The residents also voiced concern over what they described as the silence of the relevant supervisory authorities.
The affected residents appealed to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and the 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 that had been illegally occupied should be recovered.
The statement further called for an immediate probe into the alleged illegal affiliation in Block G and claims regarding changes to 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 practical steps were not taken to resolve the shortage of burial space, the residents would stage peaceful protests before the relevant institutions and also approach the higher courts.
The residents demanded a transparent review of all records relating to the cemetery, welfare land and Block G, saying the facts should be brought before the public and responsibility fixed.
The statement was issued by the Representative Committee for Affected Residents of Soan Garden Islamabad. For further information, residents can contact Naila Jabeen, head of the 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.
