ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Punjab province government has released Rs. 20 million to renovate a Krishna temple in Rawalpindi city and expand it to accommodate more Hindu worshippers on festivals and religious occasions, a media report said today.
Krishna temple is the only functioning Hindu temple in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. There are two prayers held at the temple every day - one in the morning and one in the evening - which are attended by six or seven people.
Mohammad Asif, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Administrator, said the government has released Rs. 20 million to reconstruct the temple at the request of a Member of Provincial Assembly, Dawn reported.
He said reconstruction work would begin soon. A team has visited the site and pointed out a plan to start work. The main room where idols are kept will be sealed until reconstruction ends, the paper said.
"Once reconstructed, the temple will be able to accommodate more people," Mohammad Asif was quoted as saying by the paper.
The official said the temple could accommodate the local Hindu community from the twin cities and nearby areas.