Pakistan, April 6 -- India's parliament has passed a controversial bill aimed at overhauling laws governing Islamic charitable endowments, known as waqf, despite sharp criticism from Muslim groups and opposition parties.
The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, seeks to limit the authority of waqf boards, enhance government oversight, and allow non-Muslims to sit on these boards. Waqf properties, donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes, include mosques, graveyards, seminaries, orphanages, schools, markets, and extensive parcels of land across India.
Once declared as waqf, these properties cannot be sold or transferred.
The contentious bill was first presented in August last year, and after months...