SC protects minority rights, says CJP in Katas Raj case

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday observed that the Supreme Court (SC) is the custodian of minority rights and acts in accordance with the promises made by the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, of ensuring minorities their due rights.

The CJP made the remarks during the hearing of a suo motu notice taken on the basis of media reports that the Katas Raj temple complex pond was drying up because cement factories nearby were drawing a large amount of water through a number of drill bores, severely reducing the sub-soil level.

In addition, almost every home in Katas Waulah and Choa Saidan Shah draws water through boring due to the absence of a proper supply network. The unchecked plantation of eucalyptus saplings in the region has compounded the problem.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, during the proceeding, issued notices to all the factories situated in the area beside seeking a report from the Punjab government regarding the steps taken to overcome the water supply issue.

The bench was apprised that the provincial government had constituted two committees to examine the environment and water issues in the area.

Coming down hard on the government over its failure to protect the Hindu community’s revered site, the chief justice asked what the government is doing about the matter.

“Why a need is created for the judiciary to interfere in matters of governance,” asked the bench.

Meanwhile, the apex court also summoned Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman for the next hearing over the alleged mismanagement of the board.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker, accused the board’s chairman of a dubious role as he was still occupying the post despite ending of his tenure.

Kumar was of the view that ETPB deals with minorities’ issues, therefore, its chairman should be a non-Muslim. He also informed the apex court that the board did not provide any jobs to the Hindus.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, in 2013, appointed PML-N leader Siddiqul Farooq as the ETPB chairman instead of late Justice (retd) Rana Bhagwandas, Kumar told the court.

Questioning the ground for Farooq’s appointment at the ETPB chairman, the chief justice remarked that political appointments are taking place, adding that a respectable person should be made the ETPB chairman.

“If he [Farooq] is not doing his job right, why shouldn’t he be removed from his post,” the chief justice observed.

He also observed that the court had earlier directed Farooq to visit the temple in Chakwal to ascertain the on-ground situation.

“Submit your grievance in black and white,” bench told the MNA and sought a comprehensive report from the ETPB chairman regarding its properties and details of litigations.

The Katas Raj temples are situated near Choa Saidan Shah in the Chakwal district of Punjab and are dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. The site originally housed a cluster of seven ancient temples, along with a Buddhist stupa and the home of a warrior — built between 6th and 13th century.

Legend has it the pond was created by teardrops of Shiva over the death of his wife Sati. Hindu pilgrims from around the world visit the Katas Raj temples during the Maha Shivratri festival and bathe in the sacred pond’ to seek forgiveness. Some believe the water holds healing powers.