Work begins on first Hindu temple in Islamabad

Islamabad is all set to open its first Hindu temple, named as “Shri Krishna Mandir”, to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan. The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi in the city’s H-9/2 area. Pakistan government will bear the cost of the construction of temple which is estimated at Rs100 million.

The 20,000 square feet temple would comprise of space for religious rites as well as a cremation site – a long-standing demand of the minority community. The local Hindu community has been demanding the opening of a temple in Islamabad as they had to go to the twin-city Rawalpindi for worship. “The temple was needed as the Hindu population in Islamabad is growing significantly over the last two decades,” Lal Chand said.

Source: Gulf News