Funds released for shelters to be utilised by board.

ISLAMABAD -- The government has released Rs20 million to meet the expenses of three homeless shelters, also known as panah gahs, in the capital but the local administration cannot utilise the funds yet.

Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat told Dawn on Friday that Rs20 million have been issued, and will be utilised by a board that is being formed on the directive of the Ministry of Interior.

He said the money was released by the federal government more than a month ago.

Mr Shafqaat added that the interior minister has ordered the formation of a board that will decide how funds released by the centre are utilised.

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The board will be led by Chief Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed and will include members from various sectors including the Ministry of Interior, business community and the Ehsaas programme.

Homeless shelters were established in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Some of the shelters opened in government buildings and others in makeshift structures and leased buildings.

The cost of the shelters' buildings and furniture was initially borne by the local administration and provincial departments, who now need regular funding to manage the establishments.

Local administrations have also engaged NGOs to provide meals to shelter residents.

Three such shelters have been established...