Pakistan rejects India’s ‘politically motivated’ claim about Narowal Hindu temple damage

Pakistan on Friday dismissed India’s claims about the damage to a Hindu temple in Narowal, saying the historic building was affected by torrential rains rather than deliberately destroyed.

The Foreign Office response followed a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which said it was “deeply concerned” over reports of the alleged destruction of the Hindu temple in Adda Siraj, Narowal.

The Foreign Office spokesperson strongly rejected the Indian allegations. “We categorically reject the false and politically motivated assertions made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding the Hindu temple at Adda Siraj, Narowal,” he said.

The spokesperson said the temple was damaged on July 21 because of heavy rainfall.

“The structure was damaged due to torrential rains, contrary to the false propaganda being spread by India,” he said. He added that local authorities have already inspected the site and begun work to restore the damaged building.

The FO criticised India for an attempt to distort the facts, calling it “shameful” and accusing New Delhi of resorting to “cheap gimmicks”.

The FO spokesperson also turned the criticism back on India, saying its allegations could not divert attention from what Pakistan described as the persecution of minorities in the country.