Pakistan Temple
Over a century-old Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan? Minority group alleges madrasa expansion plot
The demolition of a Hindu temple in Pakistan has sparked controversy, with a minority rights group alleging that the structure was deliberately razed to facilitate the expansion of an adjoining seminary (madarasa).
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), however, has denied the allegation, insisting that the temple collapsed following heavy rainfall.
The incident reportedly took place on August 21.
The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP), which works for the rights of minorities, alleged that a large group of people demolished the structure and removed its bricks, metal fittings from the dome and other materials from the site.
PMMP Chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra told Dawn News that he and some local residents met Punjab Additional Home Secretary on August 28 and submitted a written application seeking action against those allegedly responsible for the demolition, as well as officials accused of failing to protect the religious site.
Sahotra said the land adjoining the temple had earlier been leased by the ETPB to a seminary. According to him, the lease was cancelled after the seminary failed to pay rent for several years.
He alleged that the property was subsequently occupied illegally.
Citing a revenue department report, Sahotra told Dawn News that several people had been identified as illegal occupants of the temple’s quarters and other parts of the property.
He also referred to an order issued by the ETPB Deputy Administrator in Sialkot on January 29, 2026, cancelling the seminary’s lease and directing the eviction of illegal occupants and the sealing of the property.
“The order was never implemented,” he alleged.
The PMMP has now demanded that the temple be reconstructed in its original form.
The group has also urged local authorities to strengthen the protection of Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras and Christian churches, along with their properties.
Meanwhile, ETPB official Iftikhar Rana rejected the allegation that the temple in Siraj village had been demolished.
Speaking to Dawn, Rana maintained that the structure had collapsed following torrential rains.
“The temple carries no name in our record books. However, it is very old — more than 100 to 125 years old,” he said.
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