Temple Or Madrasa Land Dispute? 125-Year-Old Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

Islamabad: A case of demolition of a Hindu temple about 100 to 125 years old has come to light in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This temple was built on about 1,000 square metres of land in Siraj village of Narowal district. Local people, minority organisations and a political party have alleged that some religious fundamentalists demolished the temple on August 21 so that its land could be included in a nearby madrassa. However, government officials say that the old building collapsed due to heavy rains.

Was Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan?

Pakistan Muslim Millat Party (PMMP) has demanded action from the Punjab government in this matter and reconstruction of the temple. Party Chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra said that he met the Additional Home Secretary of Punjab on August 28 and gave a written complaint.

Sahotra alleged that the metal fittings, bricks and other materials of the temple shikhara were later removed from there. He says that there was already a dispute going on regarding the temple land.

What is the dispute regarding temple land?

According to Aslam Parvez Sahotra, the land adjacent to the temple was earlier given on lease by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to build a madrasa. The lease was cancelled after rent was not paid for several years and the premises were not used for the intended purpose.

It is alleged that after this some people allegedly took illegal possession of parts of the property. When news of the eviction action came to light, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demolished the temple and mixed it with debris.

Did ETPB order the cancellation of the lease of Madrasa?

Sahotra said that the Sialkot Deputy Administrator of ETPB had cancelled the lease of the Madrasa on January 29, 2026 and ordered the removal of illegal occupants and sealing of the property. However, they allege that this order was not implemented.

He also said that the incident of demolition of the temple has increased the concern in the Hindu community. Hindu community leader Ratan Lal has condemned the demolition of the temple and demanded its reconstruction.

What reason did the officials give for the temple collapse?

Senior ETPB official Rana Iftikhar has stated the age of the temple to be around 100 to 125 years. However, apart from the allegations of demolition of the temple, he said that the old building collapsed due to heavy rains.

He also clarified that the temple land was not given on lease to any person. On the other hand, Ratan Lal says that because of the Madrasa, there is an atmosphere of fear among the people about visiting the temple site.

The PMMP has demanded the Punjab government ensure the security of Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras and Christian churches. Now the administration's action regarding the matter and the demand for reconstruction of the temple are being monitored.