Musharraf visits Shiv temple in Karachi

In a rare gesture towards the minority Hindus, President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday visited a temple of Lord Shiva in Karachi where he said historical places of all religions, including that of Hinduism, were integral part of Pakistan's history and it was the priority of the government to maintain them.

Musharraf, currently on a visit to the port city, drove down to a Shiv temple in the town, which was one of the oldest in the region. He was received at the temple by its caretaker Suresh Manjani, state-run PTV reported.

"Historical places of all religions including that of Hinduism are integral parts of Pakistan's cultural and geographical history," Musharraf was quoted as saying by the channel.

He said it was the priority of the government to keep them in shape so that they remain an asset and source of belonging for interfaith bonding and tourists around the world.

Pakistan has some of the oldest Hindu temples, which have been neglected for over five decades.

In 2004, the Pakistan government launched a Rs 10 crore project to renovate the Khatas Raj temple in Punjab province where the Pandavas are believed to have spent their exile. The sprawling temple was visited by BJP Leader L K Adavani during his visit to Pakistan.

India and Pakistan are currently working out a group tourist visa policy under which Islamabad plans to attract large number of tourists to visit historical places, including temples in the country.