Breaking News
"5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan, tremors felt across Jammu & Kashmir"
Srinagar Administration Issues Advisory Amid Adverse Weather Forecast
ACB files chargesheet against Uri Naib Tehsildar, Patwari in bribery trap case
NC Bartered J&K's Hydroelectric Projects, Says Iltija Mufti
"Is US sure it wants to turn back clock?" Iran FM's jibe at Trump's 'Stone Age' remark
PM Modi lauds Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup heroics, hails him as a true performer in crunch matches
Iran claims to shoot 2nd US F-35; pilot reportedly unlikely to have ejected
US imposes 100% tariff on patented pharma imports; India faces mixed impact
Don't talk about 'samosas', stop soft PR: AAP slams Raghav Chadha
IRGC launches missile strikes on Tel Aviv, Haifa in 'Wave 91' of Operation True Promise 4

J&K Waqf Board model, says Chief Imam AIIO

  • Ovaise Gul By Ovaise Gul
  • Comments 0
  • 04 Apr 2026

‘Masjids, shrines here resembling those in Abu Dhabi, Turkey’

Srinagar, Apr 03: Chief Imam of the All-India Imam Organisation (AIIO), Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi on Friday said the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has set an example for other boards across the country, describing it as a model.

Addressing a news conference, Dr Ilyasi said masjids and shrines under the jurisdiction of the J&K Waqf Board have witnessed significant reforms. “Under the leadership of Chairperson Dr Darakshan Andrabi, the Waqf Board has set an example for the rest of the country. This Waqf Board is a model for me,” he said.

He said that while he would not comment in detail on previous governments, the Waqf Board is now progressing efficiently, with masjids and shrines resembling those in Abu Dhabi and Turkey.

“I appeal to people to visit the shrines and masjids here,” he said, while urging the Waqf Board to enhance the salaries of imams in line with the Supreme Court ruling.

He said imams and khateebs should be paid as per the 8th Pay Commission. “Imams should get a salary of Rs 70,000 per month, and if not, at least Rs 25,000 should be paid,” he said.

Dr Ilyasi also said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the situation in the Valley has changed. “The tourism sector is witnessing a boom. People should visit here as locals are hospitable and helpful,” he said.

Meanwhile, Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakshan Andrabi thanked Dr Ilyasi for his remarks. She said that when she assumed charge, imams and khateebs were receiving stipends, but are now being paid salaries.

“The imams are Ameer-e-Karavan. Until the board gives them due respect, it cannot progress,” she said.

She added that the Board had only Rs 26 lakh in its account when she took charge, but its income has since doubled. “The Board is no longer dependent. We took strict measures to increase its income,” she said.

Leave a comment

Related Posts

How We Can Help You!

labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Risus commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis.

Contact us