Waqf board meet to decide fate of Saba as Mutawalli

BHOPAL: A crucial meeting of Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board scheduled for Tuesday could well decide fate of Saba Sultan, daughter of Nawab Bhopal late MAK Pataudi, as Mutawalli or custodian of Auqaf-e-Shahi. Saba heads the estimated Rs 1,200 crore royal endowment trust with charitable properties in Saudi Arabia and Bhopal.
Sources said, meeting agenda could be a fallout of a notice to Auqaf-e-Shahi under Section 64 of Waqf Act earlier this year.However, advisor to Auqaf-e-Shahi, Gufran-e-Azam maintained, royal trust was independent and not governed by the board.
Waqf board chairman, Shoukat Mohammed Khan said, ‘board will discuss non-compliance of a notice issued to Auqaf-e-Shahi.’
Sources said seven members of the board, including MLA Arif Aqueel, might favour a new custodianship in favour of Tiger Pataudi’s sister Saleha Sultan.
Ahead of board meeting, three advisory committee members of Auqaf-e-Shahi including industrialist Sikander Hafiz, resigned on Sunday.
“Delegation of powers is not permitted as per the Act and advisory committee was already deemed unconstitutional,” said Khan.
Three members, who resigned, have cited deep-rooted vested interests, political interference and non-co-operation by trust staff at Mecca and Medina as reason behind their action. However, newly appointed secretary Azam Tirmizi considered close to Hafiz, will continue on his post. He is the power-of-attorney holder for all trust properties in India, while Hafiz was power-of-attorney for trusts rubaats (guest houses) in the two holy cities.
Sources close to Pataudi family said, “Hafiz failed to deliver on his promise of purchase of new rubaat in Mecca and Medina within four months of him taking over affairs in Saudi Arabia.” Contesting the claim, a close confidant of Hafiz said, “We have worked out purchase of new rubaat in Mecca for 18 million Saudi Riyals. Purchase needs to be cleared by the local judge (or Qazi).”
Sources said a Saudi official, has refused to clear the project until, Mohammed Miyan caretaker of Mecca rubaat is removed. Hafiz in his press release called for removal of Medina rubaat caretaker Vakil Nazir Abdul Karim, who is a Saudi national.Void in Auqaf-e-Shahi, leaves only former board chairman Gufran-e-Azam and Amir Bux, as advisors to mutawalli.