On December 1, 2012, exhibiting a prime example of the callous attitude that Pakistan often has towards the country’s non-Muslim citizens, a 100 years old Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shriram was razed to ground, along with over 40 Hindu houses. Previously, Hindus of Karachi’s Garden area, where the temple and the houses were located, had approached the local Court against a estate developer.s efforts to demolish the Shriram Temple. The court had granted stay order or any further demolition work; yet the builder, in connivance with officials went ahead with the demolition. This led to a huge outcry, as Hindus protested in front of Karachi Press Club.
It needs to be noted, that this is not the first time that Pakistan has encouraged such an act against its Hindu population. Thousands of ancient temples have already been razed to ground since past six decades, as Hindus are often victimized and threatened with death and conversion. Recently thousands of Hindus were hoarded out of Pakistan and forced to flee to India. The World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) urges that- 1. The United States and the global community, prevail upon Pakistan to rebuild the houses and the Temple, belonging to the Hindu community. VHPA also offers the support of experts and architects, proficient in Hindu Temple architecture in this rebuilding effort. 2. The United States and the international community intervene to alleviate the legal, institutional, and societal challenges facing Hindus in Pakistan, as well as work with the Government of Pakistan in improving their plight. Specifically, VHPA wants to draw attention to the continued prevalence of abductions and forced conversions, sexual violence and sex trafficking, and the impact of constitutional injunctions and laws on marginalizing Hindus. The World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) reiterates its commitment to advocate the rights of the Hindus in Pakistan, and would continue to voice support for their rights to religion and life.
