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A major controversy has arisen due to the sudden collapse of a 100 to 125 year old historical Hindu temple in Sirajgaon of Narowal district in Punjab province of Pakistan. There is a direct conflict between the claims of local minority organizations and the government administration regarding this ancient complex spread over about 1,000 square meters. On one hand, the Hindu community and social workers have made serious allegations against religious fundamentalists for the demolition of the temple, while on the other hand, government officials are calling the entire incident a result of heavy monsoon rains. Presenting the government’s side, senior ETPB official Rana Iftikhar admitted that the structure was 100 to 125 years old, but completely rejected the allegations of demolition.

administrative negligence

The roots of this dispute are also linked to the old decisions of ETPB. The land adjacent to the temple was earlier given on lease to a madrasa. Due to non-payment of rent for years and non-compliance of stipulated conditions, the Sialkot Deputy Administrator of ETPB had canceled this lease on 29 January 2026.
The administration had given a clear order to evict the illegal occupants and seal the premises, but this was never implemented at the ground level, due to which the morale of the occupants remained high.

Fear of illegal occupation

According to Pakistan Masih Millat Party (PMMP) and local minorities, on August 21, some anti-social elements associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) deliberately damaged the temple. It is alleged that this structure was demolished with the intention of merging the precious land of 1,000 square meters of the temple with the Madrasa running nearby.

PMMP President Aslam Parvez Sahotra met the Additional Home Secretary of Punjab on August 28 and lodged his written complaint in this matter. He claimed that after the demolition of the temple, the historic metal urns, ancient bricks and other construction materials installed on its peak also disappeared overnight, which points towards a well-planned conspiracy.

Government argument versus concern of Hindu community

Presenting the government’s side, senior ETPB official Rana Iftikhar admitted that the structure was 100 to 125 years old, but completely rejected the allegations of demolition. They say that the temple collapsed on its own due to torrential rains and the temple land was not given on lease to anyone. Hindu community leader Ratanlal has accused the district administration and ETPB of serious negligence. He said that due to the illegal Madrassa running in the premises and the threats they receive on a daily basis, now the local Hindus are reluctant to even visit that holy place. Expressing strong objection to this incident, minority leaders have strongly demanded from the Punjab government to take strict action against the culprits, remove illegal encroachment and reorganize the temple in its original historical form.