Thursday, November 3 2005 15:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With the current thaw in Indo-Pakistan relations, Pakistan is considering nominating the famous Katasraj temple complex in its Punjab province for World Heritage Site status.

Islamabad proposes to spend approximately USD 25 million in three phases for the restoration of the complex whose restoration work was inaugurated by BJP President and Leader of Opposition L K Advani during his controversial visit to Pakistan in June this year.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sprawling Katasraj shrine located in Chakwal district is constructed on a site believed to have been visited by the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata epic fame. Apart from the temples, there is a sacred pool having mythical association with Lord Shiva.

According to K P Poonacha, Director (Conservation) of the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple complex is at present on the priority list of the Evacuee Trust Property Board for conservation and the Pakistan Government is considering nominating the complex for the World Heritage Site status.

Poonacha was deputed by the ASI to visit the site and formulate proposals for its conservation after Advani assured requisite help in the matter to Islamabad.

Recently, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran called on Advani and apprised him that the ASI has submitted a 110-page report on the Katasraj project to the External Affairs Ministry to be forwarded to the Pakistan Government.