Historical Hindu temple in Pakistan's Khyber district demolished for commercial complex, sparking protection concerns.
A historical Hindu temple in Pakistan's Khyber district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been demolished to make way for a commercial complex, sparking controversy and concerns over the protection of religious heritage sites. The temple, known as the "Khyber Temple," was located in the border town of Landi Kotal Bazaar and had been closed since 1947 when local Hindu families migrated to India. Authorities either denied knowledge of the temple's existence or claimed the construction was in accordance with the rules. The Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee called for better protection and rehabilitation for historical sites of religious importance to non-Muslims.