Permission to demolish the place of worship appears to have been obtained by fraudulent means. In its place, a commercial multi-storied complex will be erected. Political circles have joined in protests, fearing repercussions in ties with neighbouring countries.
Lahore (AsiaNews) The only Hindu temple in the city of Lahore has been demolished to pave the way for construction of a multi-storied commercial complex.
The news was reported by the national Daily newspaper, which also carried allegations by the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) a government body maintaining properties of minorities, especially Hindus and Sikhs that the demolition was based on deliberate fraud.
A private developer was allowed to demolish the 'Krishna Mandir' temple at Wachhoowali, Rang Mahal region, and to erect a commercial building in its place. Board members said: "This could not have happened unless we were cheated, because demolishing a temple is a clear violation of the board's scheme for management of the properties of minorities, which is the basis of our work."
According to the newspaper, nowhere in the official documents "did government officials say the area to be demolished to make way for a jewellery shop included a Hindu temple." One of the board members said: "If the documents had stated that the building was a place of worship, the president would have refused the demolition request."
The decision to demolish the temple has been contested on a political front too: several members of the National Assembly, including the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League, moved a motion to maintain the building. The MPs said its demolition "could have a bearing on relations with neighbouring countries".