Peshawar:
Although disturbing incidents of religious intolerance reported on both sides of the Indo-Pak border highlight the worst side of humanity, a strange street in Peshawar presents a breathtaking image of the soul of what can look like interfait.
The 200 -year -old temple at Gor Khatri, which is regularly visited by the Hindu community, is located just 50 steps from Jama Masjid, which is frequented by Muslims five times a day for their congregation prayers.
Iqbal Awan, a 64 -year -old man living near Karim Pura, the region occupied by the Hindu community, revealed that his ancestral house was located near the Gor Khatri temple.
“Throughout our trade relations, we have never seen a fight or quarrel near the temple or the mosque. At the time of Holi or any other Hindu community party, we would let them use our homes for celebrations and clean the streets.
They would also participate in our celebrations, weddings and other opportunities in Eid. The elders of the city center and the Hindu community sat together and would speak, “said Iqbal.
Likewise, AIF Ramesh, a member of the Hindu community who has lived with his ancestors in Gor Khatri for the last 60 years, told L’Express PK Press Club that he had visited the Gorakhnath temple almost every two days.
“When there is Bhajan in the temple and Azan is called the mosque, we make adjustments in respect. Likewise, when our festival is celebrated, the Muslim community never interferes but only offers their cooperation.
Likewise, during Ramadan, I organize the lighting in the mosques. Our worshipers cannot love in any country or city in the world with as much freedom, peace and tranquility as possible in Pakistan, especially in KP, “said Ramesh, whose family is one of the 1,200 Hindu families living in Peshawar.
Haroon Sarab Dayal, scholar and social leader of the Hindu community, revealed that the ancient Hindu colonies and temples still exist in Abbottabad, Manshra, Karak and Peshawar.
“The fact that these places of worship of 250 to 300 years of the minority community are still preserved today is a solid proof of the Hindu-Muslim brotherhoods. Among all cities, Peshawar offers respect and protection and protection to its minority community.
Although attempts have been made to disturb this peace, even today, we hold on with the Muslim community in sorrow and joy, “exclaimed Dayal.
Speaking of the establishment of a mosque in front of the temple in Gor Khatri, Noor Khan, in charge of the temple and the mosque, told the Express PK Press Club that in 1641, under the reign of King Shah Jahan, Jahan Ara, the king’s daughter, ordered the construction of the Gor Khatri complex.
“However, more than 300 years have passed, even today, everyone respects the mosque and the temple. When international tourists visit Peshawar, they usually visit this old temple.
The existence of a mosque in front of this temple represents interconfessional harmony and sends a positive image of our country to the world, “said Khan.
