Abbottabad facing graveyard land shortage

ABBOTTABAD: Residents of Malikpura and adjoining areas of Abbottabad city on Tuesday asked KP government to take notice of the shortage of graveyard land and resolve the issue urgently.

The demand was made a gathering arranged at a local community center. Over 200 stakeholders, including religious leaders, social activists, journalists, legal professionals, and other citizens unanimously sought an immediate government action.

Religious scholars emphasized the right to a dignified burial was not merely a logistical issue but a moral obligation under Islamic principles. They said the shortage had forced families in neighbourhoods to transport bodies to distant villages, incurring emotional and financial strain.

With Abbottabad’s population surpassing 1.4 million and urban expansion encroaching on vacant land, existing graveyards are nearing capacity, sparking fears of a serious crisis. The participants of the meeting highlighted systemic failures exacerbating the crisis, including outdated urban planning frameworks that have not allocated land for cemeteries in over two decades.

They said that local officials acknowledged the urgency but cited bureaucratic delays in land acquisition and budget constraints. The crisis has reignited debates about equitable resource distribution in Abbottabad’s rapidly urbanizing landscape.

The people believe that this isn’t just about graveyards. It points to poor governance that prioritizes commercial projects over essential public services. As the committee prepares to engage provincial representatives, the issue has garnered media attention, positioning it as a litmus test for the government’s responsiveness to communal welfare. The community’s mobilization reflects a growing awareness of civic rights.

With funeral processions now met with overcrowded cemeteries, the urgency for action is palpable. As Abbottabad grapples with balancing tradition and modernity, the resolution of this crisis may set a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges. Residents said they awaited concrete steps to ensure their loved ones rest in peace.