KARACHI, PAKISTAN, 29 June, 2005: The Evacuee Trust Property Board Of Pakistan (ETPB) has set aside a sum of US$2 million for the regular upkeep of Hindu and Sikh shrines in the country. The condition of Hindu temples in areas like Jacobad in Sindh is very poor, including the famous Katasraj Temple, which is in a dilapidated condition and needs to be rectified. Hindu shrines in Pakistan are nonexistent while icons in many ancient temples are have either been looted or missing. A committee comprising Hindu Panchayat leaders had been formed to resolve the issues regarding their holy places. Pakistan and India set up Evacuee Trusts in 1950 to manage the properties left behind when Muslims migrated to Pakistan while Hindus and Sikhs to India. The Evacuee Trust committee, set up in 1999 to hand back some of the custodial control of shrines to South Asia’s Sikhs, helps ensure the upkeep and sanctity of Sikh holy places, or gurduwaras, in Pakistan. The committee also assists visiting pilgrim with housing arrangements and transport to shrines.
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