Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, stated that it is Pakistan's duty to protect the religious places of all faiths. He vowed to work towards the beautification of holy sites, not only of Hindus but also of other religions.
“The minorities living in Pakistan are our own people. We will send a positive message to the world about the minority community,” he said. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the residential complex for Hindu pilgrims at the Katas Raj Temple, managed by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the minister highlighted the importance of Katas Raj as a cultural heritage site representing diverse religions.
He shared that a modern 36-room residential facility adjacent to the Katas Raj Temples has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 19 crore. This ensures that Hindu pilgrims, both from within Pakistan and abroad, including India, can stay comfortably with all necessary amenities.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony's commitment to the welfare of all minorities in Pakistan, particularly the renovation and reconstruction of their places of worship. He praised the dedication of the ETPB administration, particularly its chairman, Syed Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, and his team for their efforts in protecting and developing non-Muslim communities' religious sites.
"I invite followers of the Hindu religion in Pakistan, India, and around the world to visit the Katas Raj Temple and perform their prayers with complete religious freedom, facilitated by the Government of Pakistan," he said.
ETPB Chairman Syed Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister and highlighted the government's and district authorities' support in serving minorities and hosting pilgrims. He noted that the Katas Raj Temple has seen significant improvements, including the addition of 36 residential rooms and modern amenities.
As part of the renovation, 6,000 plants of various species have been planted to enhance the temple environment and promote conservation. A 40 kW solar power system has been installed, along with spacious parking facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for Hindu pilgrims and tourists from Pakistan and abroad.
The President of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee (PHMMC), Mr. Krishan Sharma, extended his thanks to Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chairman ETPB for their efforts in constructing and renovating the Katas Raj Complex. He affirmed that Hindu places of worship in Pakistan are safe and conveyed a message to the global Hindu community to visit Pakistan and their religious sites.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider, Secretary ETPB Farid Iqbal, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary Admin Sanaullah Khan, Chief Engineer Haq Nawaz, Shahid Bashir, Deputy Commissioner Ahmad Mohayudin, and other dignitaries, along with a significant number of representatives from the Hindu and Sikh communities.
