Pakistan says a more than century-old Hindu temple in Narowal was damaged by torrential rainfall and that restoration measures are underway.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday rejected allegations by India concerning the reported collapse of a historic Hindu temple in Narowal, calling New Delhi’s claims “false and politically motivated” and saying the structure was damaged by torrential rainfall.
The dispute involves a more than century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal, whose condition came under scrutiny after heavy monsoon rains caused damage to the structure.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had called for a prompt and transparent investigation, describing the reported destruction of the temple as a “reprehensible act of vandalism.”
The Indian reaction followed an allegation by a minority rights group that the historic temple had been deliberately demolished to facilitate the expansion of an adjoining seminary.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly rejected the allegation.
In a statement posted on social media, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan categorically rejected what he described as “false and politically motivated assertions” by the Indian government.
Khan said the temple was damaged on July 21 because of torrential rainfall, contradicting allegations that it had been intentionally demolished.
“The local authorities have already surveyed the rain damage and initiated steps for the restoration of the building,” he said.
The Foreign Office maintained that local authorities had responded to the damage and were taking measures to restore the historic structure.
Khan also accused India of distorting facts for political purposes.
“It is, therefore, shameful that India is distorting facts and resorting to cheap gimmicks,” he said.
The dispute adds to already strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, where allegations concerning the treatment of religious minorities and places of worship often become politically sensitive.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office also criticised India’s record on minority rights, accusing New Delhi of the “systematic persecution of minorities” and alleging state-sponsored attacks against places of worship.
Khan specifically referred to the treatment of Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities in India and said the international community should hold the Indian leadership accountable.
The Narowal controversy comes as the preservation and protection of religious sites belonging to minority communities remain sensitive issues in Pakistan.
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