Zardari's hefty donation drama to Ajmer dargah ends

, Aug 18: After all the hoopla surrounding the $1 million dollar donation promised by Pakistan President

to the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, curtains are down on the much-hyped controversy. The promised amount was finally handed over to the shrine authorities on Friday evening following the confusion surrounding it.

"A closed door meeting between members of the Pakistan delegation and Anjuman committee was held for three hours. There was some dispute among the shrine authorities about distribution of the money among various committees involved in the shrine's regular affairs," a source said.

Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir has been quoted as saying, "I am happy that the matter has been finally resolved."

Earlier, The Anjuman Syed Zadgan, an organisation of khadims (priests) of the Dargah, had a bone of contention with the Dargah committee, constituted by ministry of minority affairs, on who is the rightful owner of the money. Syed Wahid Angara, secretary of Anjuman had said, "The money that was announced by the Pakistan president is for the Anjuman and no distribution is acceptable."

Zardari had offered prayers at the revered shrine in Ajmer on Apr 8 and announced the donation then. His son Bilawal had earlier visited the shrine in 2003. The shrine's administrators had described the donation as one of the biggest in recent years.

OneIndia News