Attempt to demolish 200-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan:Ram Leela Mandir allegedly targeted to make way for commercial plaza

An attempt was made to demolish the nearly 200-year-old Ramleela temple in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is alleged that the step was taken to build a commercial plaza on the temple site. Following protests by the Hindu community and social activists, the local administration took control of the temple on Saturday. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) subsequently sealed it. The temple is located in the Rahim Bazaar area of Dera Ismail Khan city. According to Soheil Ahmed Azmi, president of the Dera Civil Society and the local traders’ association, he learnt that the temple was being demolished and reached the site with others, where they stopped the work. Demand for an inquiry into ownership of temple land Following the incident, members of the Hindu community and social activists demanded an inquiry into ownership of the temple land and the legality of commercial construction there. They also appealed to elected representatives to raise the matter in Pakistan’s National Assembly. The Ram Leela Temple is considered part of Dera Ismail Khan’s historical and religious heritage. The ETPB has identified around 400 buildings in the district as cultural heritage sites. The government body manages properties left behind by people who moved to India after Partition, as well as religious sites belonging to minority communities. Questions raised over the security of religious sites Haroon Sarb Dayal, president of the All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement, has called for special security to be provided to religious sites. He also appealed for an investigation into the alleged illegal occupation and sale of religious properties between 2013 and 2026. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also expressed concern over the rights of religious minorities. Its recent report refers to discriminatory treatment in cases involving the abduction, forced marriage and conversion of Hindu and Christian girls. The commission has also recommended greater transparency and accountability in the management of religious properties.