SC censures govt for failing to safeguard Katas Raj Temples in Chakwal
no compromise would be made over holy Hindu site
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has said on Thursday that Katas Raj Temples are not part of Hindu culture but a national asset and would be taken care of.
The top court held hearing of a suo moto case today regarding drying up of a pond in Katas Raj Temples owing to cement factories in Chakwal.
During the hearing CJP Nisar said that no compromise would be made over holy Hindu site and the situation would be dealt with even if a factory has to shut.
File photo of the water body that is said to be at least 150ft deep and inhabited by edible Gulfam fish, a breed weighing some 8kg to 10kg each
File photo of the temple complex in District Chakwal of Punjab province of Pakistan
The chief justice said that Hindus are citizens of Pakistan and rhetorically asked could we not even protect their holy places as Katas Raj Temple complex is a national asset.
CJP Nisar said that the body of water in the complex would be taken care of even if bowls are to be used to fetch water to refill it. On the occasion, a report in the issue was filed by the Government of Punjab and Chakwal District Coordination Officer (DCO).
During the hearing, CJP Nisar ordered Attorney General to form a committee comprising of experts.
The chief justice further said that principal secretary of the premier and chief secretary could be summoned in the case if need be. The hearing was adjourned until November 30.
The apex court had taken notice of the media reports earlier that a number of cement factories in Chakwal were drawing water using multiple borewells causing the pond to dry up.
The water body is referred to by the Hindus as the ‘The Lake of Tears’ owing to a legend about one of the Hindu gods.
