ISLAMABAD: The One Man Commission, headed by Dr Shoaib Suddle, has returned to Islamabad after completing its visit to Katas Raj Temple and Prahlad Temple Multan, under the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Other members of the commission Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani MNA and Advocate Saqib Jilani were also part of the delegate.
On arrival in Islamabad, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, while talking to the media, informed about the details of the visit.
“Our recent visit to Katas Raj Temple and Prahlad Temple Multan was part of the ongoing efforts to restore the historical Hindu holy sites,” Dr Ramesh said, adding that the commission would visit Hinglaj Mata Temple Balochistan and Sindh next week.
The historic Prahlad Temple is one of the sacred sites in Hinduism, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, who is also patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council, said. He informed that the Holi festival was originally started from the Prahlad Temple in Multan which is now considered as an international festival.
He hoped that under the orders of the Supreme Court, the Prahlad Temple would soon emerge as the best example of interfaith harmony and religious tolerance.
Talking to the media, Dr. Ramesh Kumar also criticized the incompetence of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). He regretted that the Prahlad Temple is currently in a very miserable condition and needs urgent attention by the management.
It is worth mentioning that the historic Prahlad Temple was demolished by local extremists in response to the Babri Masjid tragedy in India.
“The ETPB, instead of taking care of Hindu temples and Gurudwaras, is much more interested in making money from selling evacuee properties,” Dr Ramesh said.
On the occasion, he also acknowledged the positive role of the Supreme Court for protection of minorities’ rights.
“If a local Muslim national can be authorized to take care of Muslim minority religious properties in India and Israel then why in Pakistan, every government is reluctant to appoint Hindu chief of ETPB since last 74 years?” Dr Ramesh questioned.
According to him, the first prime ministers of Pakistan and India, Liaquat Ali Khan and Jawahirlal Nehru, signed a remarkable agreement in New Delhi in April 1950. Under the Liaquat-Nehru Accord, both governments agreed to provide equal civic rights to the minorities, and protection.
Dr Ramesh further emphasized that the accord, which was signed 70 years ago, also urged to punish all those who are found guilty of offences against minorities and their property.
“In view of their deterrent effect, collective fines shall be imposed, where necessary.
Special Courts will, where necessary, be appointed to ensure that wrong doers are promptly punished,” he elaborated.
On the occasion, Dr. Ramesh Kumar also demanded that a case of criminal negligence must be initiated against the officials for not performing their duties to protect temples and other religious places, adding that the restoration of historic temples would help in projecting a positive image of Pakistan on the international level.
