Pakistan rejects India’s claims over damaged Hindu temple in Narowal
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Friday rejected what it described as “false and politically motivated” claims by India concerning damage to a Hindu temple in Narowal district, saying the structure was damaged by torrential rains rather than deliberate action.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan issued the statement in response to a recent press release by India’s Ministry of External Affairs concerning the Hindu temple at Adda Siraj in Narowal.
Khan said the temple’s structure was damaged on July 21, 2026, due to heavy rainfall, adding that local authorities had surveyed the damage and initiated steps to restore the building.
“We categorically reject the false and politically motivated assertions” made by India, the spokesperson said.
Pakistan accused India of distorting the circumstances surrounding the incident and using the issue for political purposes.
“It is, therefore, shameful that India is distorting facts and resorting to cheap gimmicks,” Khan said.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry further turned the criticism toward India’s treatment of religious minorities, accusing New Delhi of a record of “systematic persecution of minorities” and attacks against their places of worship.
Khan said the international community should hold the Indian leadership accountable for what Islamabad described as persecution of Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities.
The statement comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and India, with both countries frequently exchanging accusations over the treatment of religious minorities and protection of places of worship.
Pakistan said the temple in Narowal was being addressed through restoration efforts by local authorities and rejected allegations that the damage resulted from an intentional attack.
