Pakistan denies deliberately demolishing century-old Hindu temple

Pakistan's Foreign Office has dismissed accusations of deliberately demolishing a historic Hindu temple, stating that the structure was damaged by severe weather rather than intentional destruction. The response came after India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the alleged demolition and called for a thorough investigation and accountability.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office statement, the temple building suffered structural damage following heavy monsoon rainfall on July 21. The statement emphasized that the deterioration was a consequence of natural weather conditions affecting the century-old edifice.

India had previously expressed serious concern over the reported demolition of the religious site, urging Pakistan to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and take action against those responsible. The incident has added to ongoing tensions between the two nations over the treatment of minority religious communities and the preservation of heritage sites.

The dispute highlights recurring concerns raised by New Delhi regarding the protection of Hindu and other minority religious structures in Pakistan. Indian officials have previously documented instances of temple demolitions and conversions in Pakistani territories, which remain a source of diplomatic friction between the neighbouring countries.