CJP inaugurates rebuilt Karak temple to spiff up Diwali festivities

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed inaugurated the rebuilt Shri Param Hans Ji Maharaj temple in Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on the occasion of Diwali and felicitated the community on the special occasion.

In December last year, a mob led by a local cleric and others had attacked the temple and demolished it completely.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony on Monday, Justice Gulzar said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has always taken steps to protect the rights of minorities and it would continue to do so in the future.

He highlighted that according to the Constitution, the Hindu community has the same rights as people of other religions.

The CJP observed that everyone loves their holy places and no one has the authority to harm anyone's religious place.

Also read: CDA cancels land allocation for Hindu temple

He further said the Supreme Court assures minorities protection of their religious freedom and termed it a duty under the Constitution to provide protection to minorities.

Speaking on the occasion, Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hindu Council and PTI leader Dr Ramesh Kumar said he is grateful to the chief justice for taking timely notice of the Karak incident.

The maintenance of temples is the primary responsibility of the Evacuee Property Trust Board, he added.

Kumar went on to say that if four other historic temples are reopened in Pakistan, thousands of Hindus would be able to visit them and this would improve the country's image in the world.

Also read: Jandial Temple – relic of an ancient faith

He also announced holding a conference to dispel a negative impression built against the minorities.

Minorities in the country, he added, are completely free to practise their basic rights, including receiving education and religious freedom.

The PTI leader urged all segments of the society to work together to prevent incidents that could harm the country's reputation.

Earlier, the community welcomed the chief justice at the venue and presented him a turban as well as a Digital Quran and other gifts. He was also briefed about Diwali and the history of the temple.