Pak attempts to save Hindu temple near dam site

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed authorities to conduct a fresh survey of the site of a dam in Balochistan province to ensure the protection of Hinglaj Mata temple, a shrine of the minority Hindu community.

Gilani issued the instructions during a meeting with a delegation of minority parliamentarians led by Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti at his Parliament House chamber.

The delegation expressed concerns about the temple being affected by the construction of Hingol Dam at Lasbela in Balochistan. Gilani directed the water and power ministry to carry out a fresh survey of the site to ensure the protection of the temple. He also asked the ministry to hold a meeting with representatives of the Hindu community to address their concerns.

He said the preservation of sacred sites of various faiths is being done by his government as Islam teaches people to respect the believers of other religions.

Gilani also said his government is committed to improving inter-faith harmony and giving rights to minority communities in accordance with the vision of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The government will continue taking steps for the uplift and empowerment of minorities.

The Hinglaj Mata temple, located about 250 km from Karachi, is revered by Hindus. Thousands of people visit the cave temple in April every year during a four-day pilgrimage.