By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has reported a historic increase of Rs. 925 million in its annual revenue during the fiscal year 2024–25. The total revenue reached Rs. 5.65 billion, up from Rs. 4.72 billion in the previous fiscal year.
According to the Board’s official report, significant gains were recorded in the categories of property rent, lease income, and recoveries. Income from agricultural lease (Zar-e-Patta) stood at Rs. 695.8 million, while Rs. 321.8 million was collected as non-refundable security deposits from auctioned trust properties. Additionally, Rs. 2.32 billion was generated from current rentals. However, a shortfall of Rs. 555 million was recorded in the recovery of outstanding rent arrears compared to the previous year.
A substantial amount of Rs. 1.13 billion was spent on the renovation and restoration of minority religious sites and hospitality arrangements for visiting Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from abroad. Key projects included the construction of a 100-room residential complex at Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib), renovation initiatives at Katas Raj Temple, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, and Gurdwara Panja Sahib. For the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26, a budget allocation of Rs. 991.3 million has been recommended for these shrine and festival-related projects. An amount of Rs. 2.05 billion was spent on employee salaries, pensions, and retirement benefits during the fiscal year. The proposed allocation for the next year stands at Rs. 2.384 billion. Additionally, Rs. 225 million has been earmarked for employee advances.
Secretary of the Board, Mr. Fareed Iqbal, stated that all efforts were made to meet the financial targets. He praised the effective administrative leadership of Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan and acknowledged the guidance of the Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman, in prioritizing the protection of evacuee properties as a national responsibility.
