SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board on Friday celebrated the 80th Independence Day in Srinagar, with Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi unfurling the National Flag and addressing a gathering of officials, employees and invited guests.
On the occasion, Dr Andrabi felicitated individuals from different walks of life and honoured outstanding employees of the Waqf Board for their services and contributions.
Students from Waqf Board schools presented cultural performances highlighting patriotism and national unity.
Among those present were Waqf Board members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammad Haqqani, Special Officer Waqf Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Executive Magistrate Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, Administrative Officer Jammu Aabid Hussain and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Andrabi said it was encouraging to see people across Jammu and Kashmir celebrating Independence Day with enthusiasm and pride. She said the national flag today flies across the region and symbolises a growing sense of national unity.
She credited recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir with contributing to an atmosphere of peace and progress and highlighted reforms undertaken by the Waqf Board over the past four years.
According to the Chairperson, the Board has focused on improving administration, strengthening financial resources, upgrading shrine infrastructure, streamlining asset management, introducing digitisation measures and enhancing employee welfare.
Dr Andrabi said the Board had worked to establish a more transparent and accountable system of governance and thanked the judiciary for its role in resolving several long-pending cases related to Waqf administration.
She also appreciated the contribution of Imams, Khateebs and Waqf officials in supporting the anti-drug campaign launched under the Lieutenant Governor’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan and spreading awareness against substance abuse.
Outlining future priorities, Dr Andrabi said the Board would continue efforts to modernise Waqf administration, improve facilities at shrines and institutions, strengthen public welfare measures and ensure efficient management of Waqf assets.
Officers, Imams, Khateebs and departmental heads from various districts of the Kashmir Valley also participated in the celebrations, which concluded with a pledge to continue working towards public service, institutional reforms and national unity.
