Govt committed to protect minorities' sacred sites, facilitating religious events: ETPB chief

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jul, 2026) Chairman Evacuee Trust Property board (ETPB) Qamar-uz-Zaman on Wednesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the sacred places of minorities and ensuring the best possible arrangements for their religious events.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony marking the 163rd death anniversary of the Hindu spiritual leader Baba Bankhandi Maharaj at the historic Sadhu Bela Temple, situated on an island in the Indus River and administered by the ETPB.

According to a press release, the event was attended by ETPB Secretary, Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee Krishan Sharma, Hindu community leaders, pilgrims and devotees from Sindh and other parts of the country.

Special puja, bhajans, prayers and other religious rituals of Hindu traditions were part of the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Chairman ETPB said that the government is committed to ensuring complete religious freedom for minorities, preserving their places of worship and facilitating their religious observances.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He said the annual ceremony at Sadhu Bela Temple was a reflection of Pakistan's commitment to interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and the protection of minority rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Krishan Sharma appreciated the arrangements made by the ETPB for the visiting pilgrims, including accommodation, langar, transportation, boat services, medical facilities and sanitation.

He said the Hindu community highly appreciated the arrangements and thanked both the ETPB and the Government of Pakistan for successfully facilitating the annual event.

The ETPB, in collaboration with the district administration and law enforcement agencies, made comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the peaceful conduct of the ceremony.