Century-Old Hindu Temple Demolished in Pakistan's Punjab, Raising Fresh Questions Over Minority Protection

The demolition of a more than century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab province has triggered outrage among minority representatives and renewed concerns over the protection of Hindu religious heritage in the country. The temple, located in Siraj village in Narowal district, around 130 kilometres from Lahore, was brought down on August 21. Estimated to be between 100 and 125 years old, the historic structure stood on roughly 1,000 square metres of land.

Minority representatives and the Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP) have alleged that the temple was deliberately demolished so that its land could be absorbed into an adjoining madrassa. PMMP chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra has sought government action against those allegedly responsible, as well as against officials accused of failing to protect the property. Sahotra further said that individuals linked to Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) were involved in the demolition and that bricks, metal fittings and other material were subsequently removed from the site. 

Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which oversees a number of properties belonging to non-Muslim communities, has rejected the claim of deliberate demolition. ETPB official Rana Iftikhar said the temple collapsed because of torrential rainfall. He acknowledged the structure's historical significance and said the temple's own land had not been leased for the adjoining seminary.

The competing versions have deepened calls for an impartial investigation. According to Sahotra, land next to the temple had previously been leased for a madrassa, but the lease was later cancelled after alleged non-payment of rent and non-use of the property. He also claimed that a January 2026 order directing the eviction of alleged illegal occupants was never implemented.

The controversy has also raised questions about whether local authorities did enough to safeguard the site. Sahotra referred to an earlier police report that, according to him, indicated authorities were aware of concerns surrounding the temple and the possibility of damage to the property. Hindu community representatives have demanded that the temple be rebuilt in its original form and that those responsible for its destruction, if wrongdoing is established, be held accountable. Community leader Rattan Lal accused local authorities and the ETPB of failing to adequately protect the site and said members of the Hindu community were now hesitant to visit the location because of the adjoining madrassa. 

The incident has once again put the spotlight on the condition of minority religious heritage in Pakistan. The destruction of a historic Hindu place of worship, followed by sharply conflicting explanations over whether it was deliberately demolished or collapsed because of heavy rain, has intensified demands for transparency. Minority leaders have urged the Punjab government to strengthen security and preservation measures not only for Hindu temples but also for Sikh gurdwaras and Christian places of worship. For Pakistan, the controversy risks further undermining confidence among minority communities unless the circumstances surrounding the temple's destruction are thoroughly investigated and its heritage is restored.