125-Year-Old Temple in Narowal Damaged by Heavy Rains; ETPB Rejects Demolition Claims
LAHORE, September 3, 2026 — Nazrana Times  Ali Imran Chattha 
Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Punjab government and Narowal administration visited a nearly 125-year-old temple in Siraj village on the outskirts of Narowal following damage to the historic structure.
ETPB Secretary and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and Narowal Deputy Commissioner Tayyab Khan inspected the site and reviewed the available evidence and condition of the temple.
Nasir Mushtaq said there was no evidence indicating that the temple had been deliberately damaged or demolished by any individual or institution. According to the ETPB official, a portion of the old and deteriorated structure collapsed following recent torrential and stormy rains.
He said describing the incident as a deliberate human act would not be consistent with the available facts.
Mushtaq said the temple is currently non-functional and that no religious ceremonies are being held there. He added that there are no Hindu families residing in Siraj village or nearby areas.

The ETPB official nevertheless acknowledged the site’s historical and cultural significance, saying its non-functional status would not result in its neglect.
He said that with the cooperation of the Punjab government, the ETPB would soon begin formal work for the restoration, repair and renovation of the historic temple.
Mushtaq also rejected descriptions of the incident as deliberate demolition and criticized the circulation of claims to that effect. He alleged that certain anti-state elements were attempting to create a negative impression of Pakistan’s treatment of minorities and their religious heritage through misinformation.
The ETPB Secretary reiterated that the board remains committed to preserving and maintaining religious sites, historic buildings and cultural heritage associated with minority communities.
He added that effective security arrangements are maintained at functional places of worship to protect worshippers and visitors.
The visit comes amid earlier public discussion over the condition of the historic temple. The latest ETPB statement attributes the structural damage to extreme weather and says there is currently no evidence of deliberate demolition, while also confirming plans for restoration.