DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan, October 18 (ANI) — Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, have sealed the historic Ram Leela Temple in Rahim Bazaar, raising concerns about the protection of religious heritage and the potential conversion of a culturally significant site into a commercial property.
The move came days after civil society activists intervened to prevent the building’s demolition for the construction of a commercial plaza, according to Dawn. The temple had previously been sealed by Assistant Commissioner Hamid Siddiq following public protests, with construction activities halted at the site.
The latest sealing has renewed concerns among residents and heritage advocates about the future of the historic structure. The development coincided with a joint meeting of civil society representatives and members of the Hindu community to discuss the reported demolition plans. Participants strongly opposed the proposed commercial construction and urged elected representatives to raise the issue in Pakistan’s National Assembly.
The meeting took place at the office of Sohail Ahmed Azmi, president of a local civil society organization. Former provincial assembly member and Hindu community representative Kishore Kumar, social worker Muhammad Nauman and several other participants attended.
During the meeting, participants highlighted the temple’s historical significance, stating that it was among approximately 400 buildings in Dera Ismail Khan identified as cultural heritage properties by the Evacuee Trust Property Board. They warned that demolishing the structure would threaten the preservation of the city’s historical and cultural identity.
Civil society members also pledged to oppose any action that could damage the area’s heritage. They said representatives of civil society, the business community, literary circles and heritage organizations would collectively resist attempts to destroy historically significant buildings, according to Dawn.
Participants also questioned the legality of the proposed commercial plaza, alleging that the relevant authorities had permitted construction at the temple site despite concerns about whether they had the necessary legal authority to approve such a project, Dawn reported. (ANI)
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