Pakistan: Land of 100-Year-Old Hindu Temple Illegally Occupied, Hindu Organization Appeals to Government for Action
In yet another troubling incident highlighting the vulnerability of minority religious sites in Pakistan, the land belonging to a 100-year-old Hindu temple has reportedly been illegally occupied in the Sindh province. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located near Tando Jam town in the Musa Khatiyan village, approximately 185 kilometers from Karachi, is facing encroachment by local land grabbers. Shockingly, unauthorized construction work has already begun on the temple’s surrounding land.
Raising the alarm, Darwar Ittehad Pakistan—a prominent organization advocating for the rights of the Hindu community—has made a public appeal to the Pakistani government, urging immediate intervention to halt the illegal construction and protect the sanctity of the religious site. On Thursday, the organization’s president, Shiva Kachhi, released a video statement on social media in which he described the situation as deeply distressing and an attack on the religious heritage of Pakistan’s Hindu minority.
Kachhi stated that the temple, which has been a spiritual and cultural center for the local Hindu population for over a century, is now facing the threat of erasure due to illegal encroachments. He added that not only has the land been unlawfully taken over, but the intruders have also blocked access roads and the entrances leading to the temple, making it difficult for devotees to visit the sacred site.
According to Kachhi, a dedicated temple committee has historically managed both the temple and the approximately four acres of land surrounding it. However, this land is now under the control of a powerful land mafia that has begun construction activities, thereby violating both the legal rights of the Hindu community and the sanctity of a heritage site.
Highlighting the historical significance of the temple, Kachhi mentioned that the Sindh Heritage Department had taken note of its importance and carried out renovation work just last year. This restoration effort underscored the temple’s cultural and religious value, making the current occupation even more concerning. Kachhi emphasized that the temple is not just a place of worship but also a vital part of the area’s heritage.
In his appeal, Kachhi also pointed out that the site includes a cremation ground traditionally used by the local Hindu community and hosts an annual religious ceremony attended by hundreds. In addition, bhajans (devotional songs) are sung every Monday by local devotees, demonstrating the ongoing religious relevance of the site.
Despite these facts, the land mafia has continued its encroachment unchecked. The construction of unauthorized buildings and roadblocks is not only illegal but also a violation of the rights of the Hindu minority to access and worship at their sacred sites. Kachhi has therefore urged the Government of Pakistan, especially the provincial authorities in Sindh, to take swift and decisive action to protect the temple, stop the illegal activities, and ensure justice for the affected community.
The situation has once again brought attention to the broader issue of the protection of minority religious sites in Pakistan, particularly those of historical and spiritual importance. Incidents like these raise serious concerns about the safety and preservation of religious and cultural heritage belonging to minority groups.
Kachhi concluded by calling for stricter enforcement of heritage preservation laws and stronger measures to prevent further encroachments on religious properties, not only in Sindh but across Pakistan. He also appealed to human rights organizations and international bodies to raise their voices in solidarity with the Hindu community in Pakistan.