Katas Raj Temple Case: Punjab govt submits report in SC

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken up the suo-moto case regarding the drying of the pond at Katas Raj temple on Thursday. During the proceedings, the Punjab government submitted a report in the apex court. Additional Advocate General Asima Hamid told the court that the level of underground water has decreased, adding that new factories won’t be installed. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that why do the government always take decision late. “We are not declaring anyone responsible but this is a terrible thing,” he added Justice Umer Atta Bandial remarked that this area has been considered as Kashmir in Tuzk-e-Babri, adding that migrating birds also turn towards the same area. The CJP asked how the factories were given permission to increase productivity, adding that who is responsible for this. We do not want to give such statement which would become headlines, the CJP said. Justice Mian Saqib Nisar further remarked that installing industries is useful for the people but the care of environment should also be taken. He asked if the new trees were planted in place of the trees harvested during the installation of cement factories. In the previous hearing, the CJP criticized the government of Punjab for its failure to safeguard Katas Raj temple, one of the most revered places of worship for Hindus in the country. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the case after reports published in local media that Katas Raj temple pond was drying up as cement factories and settlements in Katas and Choa Saidan Shah were drawing water through borewells. “Katas temple is not just a sacred place for the Hindu community, but also a part of our cultural and national heritage,” the Chief Justice observed.