Pak SC orders cement factory to fill Katas Raj pond in a week

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar ordered the Bestway Cement Factory on Wednesday to refill the Katas Raj pond within one week, during the hearing of the suo motu case on the depletion of the pond located at the site of Hindus in Chakwal.

The historic pond is said to have deplet ed due to the presence of nearby cement factories which have sucked out the underground water.

Katas Raj is the second-most sacred Hindu site and dates back to 600 AD.

The temple complex is built around the pond, which finds it origin from Katak Shah, which in Sanskrit means 'raining eyes'.

The pond is believed to have been formed from the tears of Shiva after the loss of his wife, Sati.

The Supreme Court bench is conducting a suo motu hearing based on media reports that the Katas Raj pond is drying out due to water consumption by nearby cement factories.

There are two temples within the premises of the Katas Raj -- Hanuman temple and Sri Ram Mandir.

Earlier on December 13, the Supreme Court of Pakistan expressed shock when it came to learn that the idols were missing from the Hindu temples in Katas Raj temple complex.

The pilgrims who visited the holy site had to bring their own idols to perform their rituals.

The Supreme Court had sought an explanation from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) over the absence of idols.