The reconstructed Hindu temple in Karak was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed on Monday in accordance with the festivities of Diwali. The chief justice wished the local Hindu community on the festive occasion after reopening the Shri Param Hans Ji Maharaj temple. The temple had been desecrated and demolished by a mob in December.
CJP Gulzar addressed the inauguration ceremony and issued a reminder that the Supreme Court of Pakistan would continue to protect minority rights. He maintained that Pakistan’s Constitution ensured the same rights to people belonging to all religions.
“Everyone holds their holy places in high regard. And no one has the right to damage any religious place of worship,” the CJP maintained.
“It is the duty of the Supreme Court, under the Constitution, to assure the protection of the minorities and their religious freedom,” he added.
Pakistan Hindu Council Patron-in-Chief Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is also a leader of the ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed gratitude to the CJP for taking quick notice of the temple vandalisation in Karak. “It is the Evacuee Property Trust Board’s primary responsibility to maintain the temple,” he said.
Vankwani further urged the government to open four more historic temples for Hindus, which would allow thousands of Hindus to visit their places of worship.
“The country’s image in the world will be improved,” Vankwani said.
The PTI leader also maintained that minorities in Pakistan are free to practise their rights. He said the society should work in unison to safeguard the country’s image.
