Over 100-Year-Old Temple Demolished in Pakistan's Punjab Province
Minority groups want an investigation after the 100-year-old temple was torn down, while officials say torrential rains caused the collapse.
- On August 21, a Hindu temple occupying approximately 1,000 sq metres in Siraj village, Narowal, was demolished. While the government claims the 100-125-year-old structure collapsed due to torrential rains, minority bodies allege members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan demolished it to expand an adjacent seminary.
- The Evacuee Trust Property Board had previously leased adjacent land for a madrassa, but cancelled the lease on January 29, 2026, citing unpaid rent and misuse. This backdrop of disputed land rights preceded the temple's demolition.
- Hindu community leader Rattan Lal condemned the destruction, stating, "We are even afraid to visit the site because of the madrassa that continues to operate on its premises." He urged the government to protect the site from further encroachment.
- Pakistan Masiha Millat Party chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra met the Additional Home Secretary Punjab on August 28, submitting a written application seeking an investigation into the removal of the temple's materials and action against perpetrators.
- Decades of regional conflict between Pakistan and India, including the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, have contributed to insecurity among local Hindus, according to commentator Arya. "Preserving Hindu heritage can improve the image of Pakistan and attract tourism," Arya added.
29 Articles
29 Articles
100-Year-Old Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan; Land To Be Used For Madrassa, Govt Cites Heavy Rain
A new controversy has emerged in Pakistan after a century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal in Punjab province has reduced to rubble on 21 August. The Hindu minority in Pakistan has accused that the temple has been deliberately demolished and
Over 100-year-old Hindu Mandir demolished in Pakistan’s Punjab, Narowal, to make way for madrassa
Narowal: A Hindu Mandir located in Siraj village of Narowal was demolished on August 21 by Islamic zealots with the active connivance of the revenue officials who were responsible for its protection. Instead of bringing it to the notice of higher officials and the police, junior revenue officials of the area claimed that the Mandir collapsed due to torrential rains. Incidentally, no other building or buildings suffered any damage due to rains du…
Over 100-year-old Hindu temple razed in Pakistan's Narowal to make space for Madrasa
As per locals, a group of religious zealots - members of a banned far-right Islamic party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demolished the temple to include its land in an adjacent seminary. The temple was located in Siraj village in Narowal district, about 130 kilometers from Lahore.
Over 100-Year-Old Hindu Temple Razed In Pakistan To Make Space For Madrassa: Report
A group of religious zealots -- members of a banned far-right Islamic party called Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) -- reportedly demolished the temple on August 21 to include its land in an adjacent seminary.
The demolition of a 100- to 125-year-old Hindu temple in Narowal, Pakistan, has sparked controversy, with minority organizations alleging the demolition was done to merge its land with a nearby madrasa. The government claims the temple collapsed due to heavy rain, while Hindu leaders have demanded action, removal of encroachments, and reconstruction of the temple in its original form.
100-year-old Hindu temple ‘demolished’ in Pakistan - The Tribune
An over-century-old Hindu temple has been demolished reportedly to incorporate its land in a madrassa in the Punjab province of Pakistan, officials and minority bodies said on Monday. Area residents, minority bodies and a political party said a group of religious zealots demolished the temple to incorporate its land in an adjacent seminary, while the government claimed that the old temple collapsed due to torrential rains. Occupying approximately 1,000 sq m of land, the 100-125-year-old temple was located in Siraj village of Narowal, some 130 km from Lahore.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
