Body formed to address issues facing Hindus

The Pakistan Hindu-Sikh Social Welfare Council has been abolished due to its poor performance for the past several years, and a new body, the Pakistan Sanatan Dharam Social Welfare Council, has been established to address the problems of the Hindu community.

Elections for the new council were held and the oath-taking ceremony for the newly-elected members was organised at the historic Krishna Temple in Rawalpindi on Monday. A large number of Hindu community members attended the event. Senior Minority Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Member of the National Assembly, Asfandyar Bhandra, was the chief guest.

Newly elected members include Anwar Chand Bhatti President, Mohan Lal Senior Vice President, Pyare Lal General Secretary, Mahesh Chauhan Vice President, Rangi Ram Deputy General Secretary, Pandit Rakesh Chand Mumtaz and Jahangir Sagar Senior Advisers, Ratan Chauhan Joint Secretary, and Nadeem Patel Media Press Secretary.

Following the elections, an oath-taking ceremony for the Pakistan Sanatan Dharam Social Welfare Council was held at the Rawalpindi Krishna Temple. The oath was administered by Kamran, President of the PML-N Minority Wing Rawalpindi Division, and Asfandyar Bhandra.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Asfandyar Bhandra emphasised that Pakistan is a free country where all minorities play a crucial role in its development.

Anwar Chand Bhatti, the newly elected President of the Pakistan Sanatan Dharam Social Welfare Council said that the new council would work effectively to renovate temples in Rawalpindi, including the Krishna Temple. They highlighted the historical importance of these temples and affirmed their commitment to protecting them as a vital part of the Hindu community's heritage. “Pakistan is our country, our identity and we are proud to be Pakistani,” they added.