Rs14m approved for Shamshan Ghat upgrade

LAHORE:The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has approved Rs14 million for upgrading of crematorium (Shamshan Ghat) established on over 36 kanals of land near Babu Sabu Chowk, Ravi River, The News has learnt.

In 2006, Hindu community of Lahore had been granted a crematorium (Shamshan Ghat) to perform last rituals of their dead ones. A Shamshan Ghat is a platform designed for the cremation of bodies of people belonging to Hindu and Sikh faiths.

The Shamshan Ghat is located on river bank so that the ashes of the body can be disposed of in accordance with the tradition, said President Hindu Council of Pakistan Manwar Chand.

Manwar Chand thanked the government and said before this the Hindus of Lahore used to cremate the body on the banks of Ravi with the permission of the city district government. He said the government accepted the demand of Hindus that last rites should only be performed in a Shamshan Ghat. He said before the establishment of Shamshan Ghat, bodies were taken to Nankana Sahib, 75-km away from Lahore for cremation. Now the Shamshan Ghat is available in Lahore which is a big relief for Pakistani Hindu community. According to ETPB Secretary Tariq Wazir Khan, Pakistan is a minority friendly country where minorities enjoy equal rights as per law. He said it is actually a relief for the Hindu population because proper cremation makes a vital part of their faith. Manwar Chand shared with The News that his mother was also cremated here. Now, relatives of the deceased can stand during the rituals. Everything which we needed the government provided us, he said.

The walled crematorium, divided into two parts, would serve both the Hindus and Sikhs, said Faraz Abbas, deputy secretary shrines. He said all required facilities have been provided to the Shamshan Ghat whereas arrangements are being made for some shady area after the instruction of Chairman ETPB Dr Aamir Ahmed.