J&K Waqf Board Award: The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board marked the Republic Day celebrations by honouring dedicated individuals for their outstanding contributions to Waqf administration, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and grassroots reform across the Union Territory.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK JANUARY 26, 2026
Jammu, January 26: On the occasion of Republic Day, the J&K Waqf Board Award ceremony at the Waqf Board Complex in Jammu recognised individuals for their exceptional service.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh Receives J&K Waqf Board Award :Baba Budhan Ali Shah Award
In a significant recognition of dedication and ground-level administrative excellence, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board on Monday honoured Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Field Inspector, J&K Waqf Board (Reasi Unit), with a Service Excellence Award during its Republic Day Celebrations acknowledging his tireless and selfless contribution to the revival and strengthening of Waqf institutions, particularly in the border district of Poonch.
The award was conferred in the presence of senior officials, religious scholars, civil society members, and media representatives, underscoring the Board’s emphasis on rewarding integrity, perseverance, and results-oriented fieldwork.
Notably, Abdul Rashid Sheikh had earlier served as Inspector at the District Headquarters Poonch Waqf Unit, a tenure widely regarded as one of the most challenging phases in the unit’s history.
He assumed charge at a time when the Poonch Waqf Unit was virtually defunct, plagued by administrative inertia, unrecorded properties, and longstanding disputes.
Despite the daunting circumstances, Sheikh displayed extraordinary resolve and commitment.
Through relentless effort often working till late hours, sometimes up to two in the morning he succeeded in getting numerous Waqf lands and properties formally notified, a task that had remained neglected for years.
His hands-on approach, coupled with a deep understanding of local realities, infused new life into the Waqf administration in Poonch.
Several sensitive and potentially volatile issues were tactfully handled by Sheikh with wisdom, patience, and administrative acumen, preventing escalation and ensuring amicable resolutions.
Observers and stakeholders alike acknowledge that many attempts to politicize or communalize Waqf-related matters in the district were effectively neutralized through his balanced and judicious interventions.
Today, the visible functionality and operational stability of the Poonch Waqf Board Unit is largely attributed to the single-handed, selfless service of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who worked without seeking publicity or personal gain, driven solely by a sense of duty and public trust.
His contribution, many believe, set a new benchmark for field-level governance within the Waqf framework.
It is this exceptional record of service that made him a deserving and rightful recipient of the award, a sentiment echoed widely across the district.
Meanwhile, members of the public and civil society in Poonch have earnestly appealed to the Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, to consider reposting Abdul Rashid Sheikh at the Poonch Headquarters.
Awards & Honours by J&K Waqf Board → /jk-waqf-board-awards
They argue that being a local officer, Sheikh possesses intimate knowledge of the region’s socio-religious dynamics and has repeatedly demonstrated an exceptional ability to resolve complex issues with seriousness and sensitivity.
His role in reviving the Poonch Waqf Unit is unparalleled. Bringing him back would further strengthen the institution and serve the larger interests of Waqf administration, locals remarked.
Official Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Website
The award, therefore, is not merely a personal honour for Abdul Rashid Sheikh, but a recognition of grassroots integrity, perseverance, and silent service values that remain vital for rebuilding public institutions in sensitive and underserved regions.
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