Saba Pataudi becomes first woman patron of Waqf properties

Bhopal - 02 Oct 2011 (IANS): Saba, the elder daughter of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, has become the first woman to head the Awqaf-e-Shahi, becoming the patron of Waqf properties in Bhopal and abroad worth over Rs.300 crore, an official said Sunday.

Saba officially took charge of as Mutawali or patron of Waqf properties spread out from Bhopal, including Bhopal's picturesque Jama Masjid, to Saudi Arabia.

Ssaba was named the naib-mutawalli (deputy patron) by Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in 2008.

Keeping in mind the religious sentitvity, he had preferred Saba as his deputy. His other two children, Saif Ali Khan and Soha, belong to the film industry.

Tiger Pataudi died on Sep 22 in Delhi.

The chairman of Waqf Board, Ghufran Azam, confirmed that a letter has been sent by Saba and received by him in which she claimed the post, and the board members have accepted it.

Saba becomes the first woman head of the Awqaf-e-Shahi - since the end of princely rule - to govern religious properties.

Saba will have special discretionary powers to sanction free lodging at the Rubat in Makkah and Medina. The Makkah Rubat near the Kaaba, considered the House of God by Muslims, is one of the most sought-after accommodations during Haj.

Together, the two buildings can house approximately 300 Hajis, who are not charged for their stay. The properties are managed by the Indian consulate in Saudi Arabia.