Why Hindu temples being demolished in Pakistan?

In yet another attack on religious minorities in Pakistan, a Hindu temple was razed to the ground while another UNESCO-protected site was damaged in yet another attack on religious minorities in Pakistan.

In Sind, the Hinglaj Mata Mandir fell victim to this crackdown on religious minorities, with officials in the Tharparkar District citing a court order to justify the demolition in the city of Mithi.

On the other side, a CNN News18 report revealed the demolition of another Hindu site the Sharda Peeth Mandir (temple) near the Line of Control (LOC). This action occurred despite a standing Supreme Court order aimed at protecting the temple. Reports also indicate the construction of a coffee house near the temple.

The demolition contradicts international preservation efforts and raises questions about protecting cultural and religious heritage in the region. These incidents highlight the continued persecution faced by Hindus in the country.

Earlier in July, another Hindu temple was demolished in the Islamic country after being declared an old and dangerous structure. The Mari Mata Temple in Karachis Soldier Bazar was razed to the ground by bulldozers in the presence of a heavy contingent of police force.

The temple was built 150 years ago and covered some 400 to 500 square yards in the area.

In 2021, India slammed Pakistan for being one of the co-sponsors of a United Nations resolution on promoting a culture of peace even as Pakistan authorities remained "mute spectators" as a mob vandalised a historic temple in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Citing the destruction of a Hindu temple in Karak town in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in December 2020, the Indian ambassador to the United Nations Tirumurti said, "A historic Hindu temple was attacked and set on fire by a mob in the town of Karak in Pakistan with explicit support and connivance with the law enforcement agencies which, stood as mute spectators while the historic temple was being razed."

In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 'Promoting a culture of peace and tolerance to safeguard religious sites. The resolution calls for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and beliefs.