Panj Tirath Pakistan | Burning Issues

Table of Contents

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has declared the ancient Hindu religious site of Panj Tirath in Peshawar as a national heritage Panj Tirath is named after the five pools of water present at the site which also houses a Hindu temple and a lawn with date palm trees.

DETAILS

The announcement was made under the K-P Antiquities Act of 2016 Moreover, the provincial government also announced a fine of Rs. 2 million fine(10 Lakh Indian Rupees) , as well as, a five-year jail sentence for anyone found guilty of damaging the historic site.
The site holds religious significance to local Hindus who believe that King Pandu from the Mahabharata, a Hindu mythological epic, bathed in the pools and worshipped under the date palm trees for two days.

HISTORY OF THE SITE

It was during the reign of the Afghan Durrani dynasty in 1747 that the site got damaged. However, it was restored by local Hindus in 1834. (during the sikh empire) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been asked by the archaeology directorate to clear the site of encroachment and permit archaeologists to do the preservation work.

SIKH EMPIRE 1799–1849

HINDUISM IN PAKISTAN

Hindus comprise approximately 1.92% of Pakistan’s population. However, around 5,000 Hindus migrate from Pakistan to India every year. – Statement in Pakistan’s national assembly Hindu girl abductions have been a major reasons behind this. Other than that minorities face discrimination in Pakistan

PAKISTAN’S RECENT STEPS

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has decided to restore and preserve historical Buddhist and British sites in the tribal areas. Pakistan government plans to promote religious tourism in Elum Valley revered by both Hindus and Buddhists

ELUM VALLEY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Elum Valley is located between the Swat and Buner districts in the province, Elum Valley has been a site of divinity and pilgrimage for both the Hindu and the Buddhist communities.
According to Hindu belief, Lord Ram spent time meditating there during his 14 years of exile, while Buddhists believe it to be the site where a previous incarnation of Lord Buddha gave up his life.

WHY IS PAKISTAN DOING THIS?

Pakistan desperately wants to change its image globally “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added Pakistan to the U.S. list of “countries of particular concern” regarding protection for people to worship according to their beliefs. It was previously on a special watch list. The downgrade would expose Pakistan to potential American sanctions, but Pompeo waived those penalties, citing U.S. national interests.”

WHY IS PAKISTAN DOING THIS?

Pakistan Tourism Revenue According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), last year, revenue from tourism contributed around $19.4 billion to Pakistan’s economy and made up 6.9pc of gross domestic product. The WTTC expects that amount to rise to $36.1 billion within a decade.

PAKISTAN’S DEBT

Media reports in Pakistan said Pakistan would have to repay China a total of US$40 billion over 20 years for infrastructure and development projects under the scheme. IMF loan to Pakistan is still a distant dream as IMF’s conditions are tough