Secretary and Additional Secretary Shrines, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Nasir Mushtaq, along with Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and Deputy Commissioner Narowal Tayyab Khan, visited a 125-year-old Hindu temple located in the outskirts of Narowal, in Siraj village.

During the visit, the officials thoroughly examined the available evidence and categorically rejected rumours that the temple had been deliberately demolished. Nasir Mushtaq clarified that no individual or institution had caused any damage to the temple. Rather, a portion of the ancient temple building had collapsed due to the recent torrential and stormy rains. Describing the incident as a deliberate human act is therefore completely unfounded and absurd.

He said that anti-state elements are spreading false rumours in an attempt to damage Pakistan’s positive image as a country that respects and protects minorities.

He further clarified that no Hindu family associated with the Hindu faith resides in Siraj village or its adjoining villages. The temple is a non-functional place of worship, where no religious rituals or ceremonies are currently performed.

Nasir Mushtaq said that, with the cooperation of the Government of Punjab, the Evacuee Trust Property Board will soon commence formal work for the restoration, repair, renovation and beautification of the historic temple.

Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board remains fully committed to the protection, preservation and proper maintenance of minority religious sites as well as the country’s historical and cultural heritage. He added that effective and adequate security arrangements are also ensured for the protection of religious places of worship and the safety of pilgrims and visitors.