The Pakistani government has announced a major renovation and beautification plan for temples and gurdwaras across the country. The project, which will be executed under a master plan, has been allocated a budget of PKR 1 billion. The decision was made on Saturday during a meeting of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in Lahore, presided over by its chairman, Syed Attaur Rehman.
Enhancing Religious Sites for Minorities
Speaking at the meeting, Rehman confirmed that the government is committed to preserving and enhancing places of worship for religious minorities.
“Under a master plan, temples and gurdwaras will be decorated and development works will be done with a budget of PKR 1 billion,” said Rehman.
He further emphasized that a significant amount of money is being invested to maintain and restore these religious sites, ensuring they remain in good condition for worshippers and visitors.
Participation from Hindu and Sikh Communities
During the meeting, Rehman also revealed that the ETPB had generated more than PKR 1 billion in revenue this year. This demonstrates the financial strength of the board, enabling it to carry out large-scale projects aimed at benefiting religious communities in the country.
The meeting was attended by members of the Hindu and Sikh communities from all over Pakistan, alongside government and non-government representatives. Their input and participation in the discussions reflected a collaborative approach to ensuring that places of worship for minorities receive proper care and development.
Revised Development Scheme to Increase Revenue
Board Secretary Farid Iqbal addressed the members regarding the need to revise the existing ETPB development scheme. He explained that modifications had been made to the scheme to boost the department’s income. As part of these changes, trust properties are now being presented for development, allowing for better utilization of resources while continuing to support religious and community projects.