CHAKWAL, June 30: A new chapter opened in the detente between Pakistan and India on Friday when the federal government handed over the thousands of years old Katas Raj temple complex here to the Punjab archaeology department for restoration.

PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain performed the ground- breaking ceremony for the restoration work on the religious site according to the conservation plan prepared by the government of India. The work would be completed in five years.

Indian High Commissioner Shevshankar Menon, who attended the ceremony, noted that Katas Raj is mentioned in the Mahabharat epic written 300 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Today is a historic day and a landmark for India and Pakistan keeping in view the promotion of interfaith harmony and a respect for minorities in Pakistan,” he said.

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had proposed the restoration of the sacred place during a visit to India last year to promote inter faith harmony. The place is also revered by Sikhs.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Religious Affairs Minister Ejazul Haq and senator Mushahid Hussain also attended the ceremony.

PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain urged Indian government to protect Muslim sacred places in India to foster mutual respect between the two civilisations. Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on the occasion promised to restore Katas Raj to its old glory in minimum time.

A three-star hotel would be constructed in the vicinity of the religious site for the pilgrims and tourists, he said.

Katas Raj consists of eight historic structures including Hari Singh’s haveli, temples of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv, learning institutions and a pool formed by, according to Hindu scriptures, the tears that Lord Shiv shed to mourn his wife Sita.

Arab scientist Al-Beruni visited the place and learned Sanskrit there to communicate with the people during his travels through India.