ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday directed the federal government to build a temple and crematorium in Islamabad for Hindu community.

“It is surprising and sad that there is not even a single temple in Islamabad for Hindu community to worship,” Ramesh Lal said while chairing the meeting of sub-committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs.

It came as a shock to the committee members that there was no crematorium in the federal capital.

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At least 500 Hindus are registered to be living in Islamabad, and had to travel to Rawalpindi to perform final rituals of their deceased, the committee was told.

“This is how government is treating minorities in the country,” Lal, who is convener of the parliamentary panel, said. “It is the basic right of Hindus to have a temple in their own city for worship,” he added.

The parliamentary body rejected the concerns put forward by the government that there would be security issues if a temple is built for Hindu community.

“Hotels and restaurants are being provided security by the government, why a temple cannot be provided security,” members of the committee said.

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Tariq Qaiser, one of the members of the parliamentary committee, also brought forth the matter of churches not receiving any financial assistance from the government for renovation.

Concluding the meeting, the committee directed the government to build a temple and crematorium for Hindu community in Islamabad and allocate funds for renovation of churches.

The committee has proposed allotment of land for the temple in Saidpur Village area.