Source: UPI

KARACHI, Pakistan, Dec. 2 (UPI) — An ancient Hindu temple in Karachi was demolished by a builder, raising concerns among the Pakistani port city’s minority Hindu community, members said.

Ramesh Vankwani, head of the Hindu Council in Pakistan, condemned the demolition of the century-old Sri Ram Pir Mandir in the city’s military cantonment area during the weekend, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported. He also said the temple’s religious objects were desecrated.

However, Dawn quoted the director of military lands in the area as saying no religious place was damaged during an anti-encroachment operation.

Pakistan’s Express Tribune reported the high court in Karachi had temporarily restrained the local administration and a private builder from demolishing the temple until later this week. The court acted in response to a petition by temple-area residents over notices from a private builder asking them to vacate the premises after accusing them of encroachment. Read more