A minority rights organization has expressed distress over the deteriorating state and alleged encroachment of the historic Ramchandra Mandir in Karachi. The temple, situated near Preedy Police Station, is now surrounded by cement walls and iron gates with Islamic inscriptions, as reported by the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM). Once a symbol of prayer and coexistence, the site has now been marred by neglect and unauthorized occupation.
The VOPM highlighted that the temple, which used to signify Karachi’s diverse past, has been obscured by neglect and unauthorized structures. The organization lamented the transformation of the temple’s surroundings, emphasizing that the new barriers symbolize erasure and isolate a significant historical site from public view.
According to the VOPM, the Evacuee Trust Property Board, responsible for safeguarding abandoned religious properties, has neglected its duty towards the Ramchandra Mandir. The organization criticized the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony for its apparent detachment, allowing a piece of national heritage to fade away without intervention.
Questioning the accountability of authorities, the VOPM raised concerns over the temple’s disappearance in the vicinity of a police station. The organization condemned the lack of action as a reflection of institutional failure and emphasized that the temple’s decline is not just a local loss but a matter of national disgrace.
The VOPM stressed the importance of preserving historical sites like the Ramchandra Mandir, stating that protecting such places is essential for maintaining a connection to the country’s past. The organization urged Pakistan to prioritize the preservation of its heritage, emphasizing that safeguarding the temple is crucial for upholding the values of remembrance and unity.
