IHC issues notice to CDA against construction of temple

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notification to Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding the construction of a Hindu temple in the federal capital.

IHC’s Justice Amir Farooq heard the petition of lawyer Chaudhry Tanveer Akhtar who said the land allotted for the construction of the Hindu temple in Sector H-9 of Islamabad should be withdrawn along with the funds allocated for the project.

The counsel said a temple already exists in Saidpur Village which should be renovated by the government. He said the land given for temple construction is a violation of Islamabad’s master plan.

The petitioner added that the master plan of Islamabad should be implemented and a restraining order should be issued against the construction of the temple.

Justice Farooq remarked that the CDA should state whether the temple is part of the master plan. He said minorities have full rights and should be taken care of.

The petitioner has named Prime Minister Imran Khan as a party in the petition through his principal secretary. Others include secretary ministry of religious affairs, interior secretary, secretary CDA, chairman CDA board and chairman union council of Sector H-9.

Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Lal Malahi said that it was unfortunate that a citizen had approached the court to stop the construction of the temple.

In a statement, he said that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the rights of minorities, adding that there were diverse religions and all citizens have equal rights.