Dallas, Texas – The World Muslim Congress condemns the demolition of Hindu Temple in Lahore and urges the Government of Pakistan to restore the temple.
Muslims follow Islam, a monotheistic religion but not a monolithic religion. Muslims who have deeply imbibed the teaching of Islam condemn the act of demolition of the temple in Pakistan.
We do appreciate that several opposition members of the National Assembly of Pakistan from the Pakistan Peoples Party, and Pakistan Muslim League reportedly objected and moved a motion against the demolition, saying such an act could have a bearing on Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries.
We urge the people and the Federal government of Pakistan to join us in not only in condemnation but in restoration.
Allah through the holy Qur’an says: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) – al-Hujurat 49:13
“Prophet Mohammad emphasized Good deed is one that makes life better for others, as planting a tree would provide shade and fruit for all in the future
The second Caliph Umar set an example of respecting the sanctity of places of worship when he conquered Jerusalem. At the time of the evening prayer the Bishop of the Church of holy sepulcher offered him a nice place to pray in the church but he refused, saying that he fears that generations after him may try to take over and convert the church to a Mosque. So he prayed out side the church.
The old truism is a valuable lesson and a golden rule preached by all religions “treat others as you wanted to be treated”.
It is not about religion in the narrow sectarian terms, it is about respecting other people’s right to have their own place of worship as Islam enjoins and is an important article of the Geneva Conventions.
We urge every one who considers humanity a family to denounce such acts no matter where they take place.
The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) on Wednesday deplored the demolition of a Hindu temple in Lahore which was in the custody of the Evacuee Property Trust Board, a government body.
In a statement, it called upon the Pakistan Government to respect minority rights and international law, which include religious freedom of the minorities and respect of their places of worship.
The AIMMM demands that the Government of Pakistan stop the construction proposed on the site and instruct the board to rebuild the temple unless a representative body of the Pakistani Hindu community offers to take up the reconstruction.
The AIMMM also calls upon the Government of India to invoke Nehru- Liaquat Agreement, 1950 and take up the case with the Government of Pakistan.
http://ia.rediff.com/news/2006/jun/15temple.htm?q=np&file=.htm
June 15, 2006 23:37 IST
Pakistan on Thursday denied media reports that the only Krishna temple in Lahore has been razed and said the temple is safe.
A structure was demolished to make way for the construction of a commercial complex, but there was no temple there, a foreign office statement said.
‘The only Krishna temple that exists in Lahore is safe and the temple referred to in a section of the press is an abandoned property being used partly for residential and commercial purposes since the time of the independence according to a clarification of Evacuee Trust Property Board of Pakistan,’ a Foreign Office statement said.
‘The media report is factually incorrect. In fact, the Krishna temple is situated on Ravi Road, Lahore, whereas the property under reference is in Rang Mahal, Lahore. Both the locations are several kilometers apart,’ it said.
However, there is a temple in Wachhowali Bazar in Lahore, which is about 300 feet away from the property under reference. That temple too is intact, the foreign office said.
Contrary to the alleged demolition, the Evacuee Trust Property Board has made considerable improvements in a number of temples including the Krishna temple, at the cost of Rs 13.8 million during the last three years, it said.
Report in a Pakistani newspaper that the only Krishna temple in Lahore has been demolished for construction of a commercial complex sparked off a strong reaction by the Sangh Parivar, including the Bharatiya Janata party, and the Indian government sought a clarification from Pakistan on the issue.