February 11, 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board on Tuesday inducted four modern high-tech ambulances into its public service infrastructure, continuing its programme of reforms and institutional transformation. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Board has established a health emergency service network at four major shrines across the Kashmir Valley.
A brief ceremony was held at the Hazratbal shrine, where Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi formally inducted the fully equipped ambulances into service. BJP State General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul attended the event as the guest of honour. Executive Magistrate of the Board, Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, and Imam and custodian of the holy relic, Ghulam Mohiuddin Banday, were also present.
Dr Andrabi and Ashok Koul later flagged off the ambulances to their designated locations, from where they will commence operations shortly. The ambulances have been stationed at Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar district, Baba Reshi shrine in Tangmarg (Baramulla), Charar-e-Sharief shrine in Budgam district, and Aishmuqam shrine in Anantnag district.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Koul said the J&K Waqf Board had made significant progress across various sectors and emerged as a model institution for other organisations in the country. He described the upgradation of facilities at religious places across Jammu and Kashmir as a historic and encouraging step, adding that the Board had achieved notable reforms under the leadership of Dr Andrabi.
In her address, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi said that development, transparency and public welfare have remained the guiding principles of the Board. She described the procurement of the state-of-the-art ambulances, equipped with advanced emergency medical facilities, as a major milestone. She added that the deployment of these vehicles at prominent shrines would benefit both visitors and residents of nearby areas.
Senior administrators of the Waqf Board, along with Imams and Khateebs, were also present at the event.
