FO rejects India's claims over Narowal temple demolition as 'false, politically motivated'

The Foreign Office (FO) firmly denied India's claims regarding the alleged demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Narowal, describing the situation as "false and politically motivated." The structure, situated in Siraj village, was reportedly damaged by torrential rains on July 21, 2026, according to a statement released by FO spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan.

India's Ministry of External Affairs had expressed concern over the reported destruction of the historic temple in a previous statement. Khan emphasized that the temple's structure had indeed suffered damage due to the heavy rains and that local authorities had begun the restoration process. He criticized India for "distorting facts" and resorting to "cheap gimmicks" in attempting to manipulate the situation.

The Pakistani government contended that the century-old temple had collapsed following torrential rains, while a minority rights group claimed it was deliberately demolished to make way for an adjacent seminary's expansion. Khan stressed that India's distortion of facts would not divert attention from its poor treatment of minorities, including systematic persecution and state-sponsored attacks on their places of worship.

Khan concluded by highlighting the weaponization of Hindutva ideology against minorities in India and urging its leadership to be held accountable for the persecution of Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities.