Hindu Temple Cannot Be Constructed With Public Money: CII

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz on Wednesday said there was no such tradition of constructing religious worship place with public money so the Hindu temple could not be constructed with public money in the federal capital

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Oct, 2020 ) :The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz on Wednesday said there was no such tradition of constructing religious worship place with public money so the Hindu temple could not be constructed with public money in the Federal capital.

Briefing media about the recommendations of three-day meeting of CII held from October 26 to 28, he said the CII had recommended establishing a 'Special Welfare Fund' for minorities with freedom to spend in accordance with their choice.

The construction of Hindu temple was referred to CII for recommendations. The CII has contended that Hindu temple should not be built in the federal capital from the state's exchequer as there was no tradition of constructing private worship places with public money.

Qibla Ayaz said the CII had recommended opening old temple and adjacent Dharamshala (an Indian Resthouse or Hostel built with religious purpose) in Saidpur village to enable Hindu community to perform their religious rituals in the federal capital.

The Constitution provides right to all citizens to practice their religion freely and perform last rituals of deceased members of their community in accordance with their religious belief. Hindu community was allowed to perform last rituals of a deceased person in Shamshan Ghat (a mortuary where corpses are cremated).

The CII contended that the Hindu community was allowed to construct a community centre for performing their religious rituals and marriage ceremonies and there was no harm in it as per Sharia.

The CII suggested amending Evacuee Trust Property board Act and allowing minorities to fulfill their religious needs in case of increase in population. The facilities should be provided to Hindu temples and others in Pakistan in accordance with Liaquat-Nehro pact, said the chairman.

The CII recommended promulgating Dastur-ul- Amal Diwaini Kalat 1952 in entire Balochistan, making mandatory the adoption of urdu as official language in government institutions including courts.

The CII approved Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2020 moved by MNA Shazia Mari with some amendment.

The CII okayed Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2019 regarding the capital punishment declaring that the bill was in line with the provision of the Sharia.

The CII condemned blasphemy of sacred religious personalities, saying that the council also recommended amending Article 37 related to permit of liquor to non Muslims.

The CII said Bahai community had its separate recognition. There was no harm in adding separate column for Bahai community members in birth and death certificates.

The council recommended restoring old Nikkah registration system as this could increase problems of the people.

The issue of forced conversion was under consideration in the council, Qibla Ayaz said adding that the members of CII would visit the vulnerable areas of Sindh and Punjab and decide about forced conversion after evaluating ground realities.

The council approved draft anti witchcraft bill which will be presented in the parliament for final approval.

The forum approved comprehensive suggestions for making Nizam-e-Zakat (Zakat System) in accordance with the provisions of islam. The suggestions will be sent to Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for implementation.

The CII expressed some reservations over 'Domestic Violence Bill' and decided to prepare a comprehensive draft ovet it.

The council contented that the medicine prepared with 'Haram' items could be used, if no alternate was available.

The council approved comprehensive recommendations over Hajj funds and Hajj system on the request of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.