Pakistan to renovate gurdwaras, temples across country

Lahore, January 29

The Pakistan government has decided to renovate several holy sites belonging to minorities across the country, in a bid to further strengthen its case of providing safety and security to the minorities living in the country.

As per details, several gurdwaras and temples will undergo renovation across Pakistan.

According to statistics, the total number of Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples in Pakistan are 1,830.

However, only 31 temples and gurdwaras are operational.

Official sources say that the meagre number of operational temples and gurdwaras has prompted the government to take action and renovate the minority holy sites.

 The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), provincial governments along with the Sikh and Hindu community members will be part of the overall renovation process, which is likely to be completed this year.

 In Punjab province, a Sikh mansion in Rawalpindi will be restored, while renovation in at least two churches and seven Hindu temples is in progress in Lahore.

Moreover, the construction of the Hindu temple in the capital Islamabad, is also likely to be completed in 2021.

 "Karsewa of Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore has been going on for many years. But the Indian members of the Karsewa Committee had to return home as their visas expired and it could not be renewed because of the pandemic. So this work was stalled and will be resumed soon," Sardar Ameer Sindh, Secretary General of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC), said.

"Similarly, the restoration work at the Gurdwara Bali La, Nankani Sahib and Gurdwara Tanbo Sahib will also be completed soon," he added.

 The ETPB has maintained that gurdwaras and Hindu temples across Pakistan will be renovated and restored, and will be made open to the communities in the coming days.

"A major temple and gurdwara are activated every year", said Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, head of the Pakistan Hindu Council.

 "Apart from the ETBP, the provincial governments are also playing their part in the restoration of the ancient historical temples and gurdwaras," he added.

IANS

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