The Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, has denied reports of the demolition of a Hindu temple in the Soldier Bazaar area of the city. Local media had earlier reported the demolition of the old Mari Mata Temple, sparking controversy and concerns over the protection of religious sites.
In response to the reports, Mayor Wahab took to Twitter and shared pictures of the mandir, confirming that no such demolition had taken place and that the temple was still intact. He assured the public that the administration had intervened and the Hindu Panchayat (council) had been asked to assist the police in determining the facts of the matter.
The denial by the Mayor comes amidst the grim reality of attacks on Hindu temples in Pakistan. Just recently, a gang of robbers fired mortar shells at the Gulshan Dera Baba Sanwal Shah temple in the Kashmore district. While no explosions occurred, damage was done to a portion of the compound wall. The robbers also targeted the houses of local residents.
Reacting to these incidents, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Kashmore and Ghotki districts of Sindh. The HRCP condemned the attacks on the Hindu community, including the threats to their places of worship.
The HRCP called on the Sindh Home Department to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter and take necessary steps to protect all vulnerable citizens in the affected areas.
As the controversy surrounding the reported demolition of the Mari Mata Temple continues, the investigation will seek to ascertain the true facts and ensure the safety of religious sites and communities in Karachi.
