The 'Khyber Temple' was situated in the border town of Landi Kotal Bazaar in the Khyber district but had been vanishing brick by brick over the years.
The ‘Khyber Temple’, a historical Hindu temple located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has been demolished to pave the way for the construction of a commercial complex. According to a report by the news agency PTI, construction work for the commercial complex has commenced at the site situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The temple had remained closed since 1947 when its original occupants migrated to India. Over the years, the temple had been gradually deteriorating, with its structure vanishing brick by brick.
While some locals and tribal inhabitants of the area confirmed the existence of the temple, Pakistani officials expressed ignorance regarding its presence. Tribal journalist Ibrahim Shinwari affirmed the historical significance of the temple, emphasizing its existence in the main Landi Kotal Bazaar. He recounted that the temple suffered partial damage in 1992 following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India.
However, several Pakistani officials, including Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Irshad, denied any knowledge of the temple’s existence. Irshad maintained that the land where the temple stood belonged to the state.
Authorities admitted the absence of authentic and organized revenue records in the Khyber district. Despite this, Tehsil Municipal Officer Shahbaz Khan clarified that construction permits were granted for commercial structures based on approved maps and deposited fees.
Concerns were raised about the government’s failure to protect religious minority sites. Haroon Sarabdiyal of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee emphasized the responsibility of relevant government departments to safeguard historical religious buildings. He suggested repurposing unused or dilapidated sites for social welfare activities instead of demolition.
Also Read: National Green Tribunal Directs Action Against Industrial Units in Muzzafarnagar
The demolition of the Khyber Temple underscores broader concerns about the preservation of religious minority sites in Pakistan. While official denials and lack of documentation persist, voices advocating for preservation and responsible governance continue to highlight the importance of protecting cultural heritage for future generations.
The Second Friends Cup Girls’ Football Tournament 2025 was inaugurated at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate,…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Air Warriors and their families on the 93rd IAF Day,…
The Indian stock markets opened marginally higher on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty showing…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Short Term Employability Programme (STEP) in Mumbai today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3 and…
PM Modi will inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport today, a major milestone in India’s eco-friendly…