Ancient temple returned to Hindu community

Since the last 30 years the HIndu temple building was used as a government school

QUETTA: A 200-year-old Hindu temple in Zhob was returned to the Hindu community after 70 years.

The keys of the four-room temple were handed over to the Hindu community leaders at a ceremony held near the temple building.

JUI leader Maulana Allah Dad Kakar was the chief guest on the occasion while Deputy Commissioner Saleem Taha and leaders of Hindu community along with other minorities also attended the ceremony.

Kakar handed over the keys of the temple to chairman Hindu community Saleem Jan.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Saleem Taha while speaking on the occasion termed the step historic for interfaith harmony in Balochistan, adding that Kakar not only supported the decision of the government but also attended the ceremony as a chief guest.

The deputy commissioner apologised for 70 years delay in returning the temple to the Hindus and said the temple’s building will be restored in its original condition.

He said after renovation and restoration work of the building, the devotees will be able to worship in the temple.

Chairman of the Hindu community Saleem Jan on the occasion said the temple was 200 years old and after creation of Pakistan, majority of the Hindu community migrated to India from Zhob. He said there were still a large number of Hindus living in Zhob.

He said since the last 30 years the temple building was used as a government school.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2020.