In a significant development for the Hindu community in the Narowal District of Punjab Province, the Government of Pakistan has approved a fund of 1 crore Pakistani Rupees for the restoration of the Baoli Sahib Hindu Temple. This marks a momentous occasion, as the temple has remained in a dilapidated state since 1960, leaving the village's Hindu population without a place of worship for over six decades. Local citizens have expressed their elation at the government's decision, as this construction project represents the fulfillment of a long-standing desire for a community temple.
Previously, Hindus residing in the village had to travel to Lahore or Sialkot to attend prayers and participate in religious activities. The construction of the Baoli Sahib Temple is expected to provide a much-needed spiritual home for the local Hindu community. According to reports from 'The Hindustan Times,' the Evacuee Property Trust, an organization that manages places of worship for minorities in Pakistan, has been entrusted with the construction of the temple. The groundwork for the temple has already commenced, signaling the start of a long-awaited restoration project. Upon completion, the temple will be handed over to the Pak Dharmasthan Samiti, an organization that has been advocating for the temple's construction for the past 20 years. Sawan Chand, President of the Pak Dharmasthan Samiti, expressed gratitude to the government for its decision.
"We have been pursuing the construction of the temple for the last 20 years. Our efforts have now yielded some success. We thank the government of Pakistan for that. Due to this decision, now the Hindus of the village will be able to worship in the village," he stated. The positive response from the local community underscores the significance of this development, as it represents not just the restoration of a physical structure, but also a revitalization of the cultural and spiritual life for the Hindu residents of Narowal. As construction progresses, the villagers are hopeful that the temple will soon become a vibrant center for worship and community gatherings.
