Says, “If the bill is passed, the community will lose control over Waqf assets and administration, enabling a government takeover—an outright interference in Muslim religious affairs”
Srinagar, April 2: As the Union government tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for discussions and passage on Wednesday, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that if the bill is passed, it will deprive the Muslim community of control over Waqf assets as well as their administration. He strongly opposed the controversial amendments to the existing law (Waqf Act, 1995) and stated that the ongoing legislation is completely unnecessary.
In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The government claims that this amendment bill is intended to improve the administration of Waqf properties and ensure transparency. No one opposes measures for better management and transparency, but such legislation is not necessary. Improvement and transparency can be achieved without amending the existing Waqf Act.”
He added, “Once the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed, Waqf boards will be required to register their properties with district collectors to ensure accurate valuation. Additionally, all members of the Waqf board will be appointed by the government. Clearly, once the bill becomes law, the community will lose control over Waqf boards, allowing the government to take over their administration—an outright interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.”
