(a) whether there are recent reports of the alleged desecration of Hindu temples in Pakistan;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) the details of the number of such Hindu temples attacked in Pakistan during each of the last three years and the current year;
(d) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan for ensuring safety of Hindu temples in Pakistan; and
(e) if so, the response of the Pakistan Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNALAFFAIRS (GEN. RETD. V.K. SINGH)
(a) to (e) Government from time to time has come across reports about acts of desecration of places of religious and cultural importance of the minority communities in Pakistan including the Hindu community. There were two prominently reported instances of desecration /vandalism of Hindu temples in Pakistan in 2012. In 2013 nine such instances were reported. In 2014 there have been 5 instances of reported desecration of Hindu temples in Pakistan so far. Given the overall environment in Pakistan, it has not been possible to ascertain the veracity, precise number, or the actual details of such incidents.
The Simla agreement between India and Pakistan clearly lays down the principle of non-interference in each others’ internal affairs between the two countries. Nevertheless, from time to time, Government has called upon the Government of Pakistan to ensure the protection and preservation of holy shrines in Pakistan, as per their commitments undertaken in the bilateral “Protocol on visits to religious shrines” signed in 1974, under which it is the obligation of each respective side to ensure that important shrines are properly maintained and their sanctity preserved. Government of Pakistan has been stating that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.