The propaganda by Indian media that a 150-year-old temple in Karachi was vandalized has been exposed. There were also conflicting reports that the old Shri Mari Mata Temple located in Soldier Bazaar had been razed to the ground.
MM News team visited the temple to ascertain the facts and interacted with Rekha Lal, daughter of the pandit in charge of the temple. Dr Rakesh Motiani, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party Minority Wing, was also present.
Rekha Lal told MM News that her family ancestors have been here for almost 200 years serving the temple.
“Ever since the temple was built 200 years ago, we have been performing all religious rituals freely in this temple. I am the third generation of my ancestors who are taking care of this temple and perform pooja,” she said.
She added they started renovating the temple around 10 years ago. “Some of my Hindu brothers have supported me. The government also supported me. We received funds from them and have been doing the renovation work of the temple. My house is right next to the temple”.
She said that there are some Hindu miscreants, who have nothing to do with the temple, want to fulfill their nefarious designs and are conspiring against it.
On this occasion, PPP Minority Wing leader Dr Rakesh Motiani said he reached the location and the temple was completely safe and there has been no damage.
He said that next to the temple resided a pandit who was going to demolish his house and build a new one and some mischievous people were eyeing his plot.
“In this country, we have Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians all living in brotherhood. This temple has not been harmed by any of our Muslim brothers or anyone else.”
“We are proud to be Pakistanis. We have every kind of freedom. Whether Holi or Diwali, we celebrate with our family with freedom,” he added.
Dr Rakesh Motiani said, “I want to tell the Indian media that we know you are suffering and spreading chaos to increase ratings by trying unsuccessfully to harm our brotherhood, but I want to tell you that we Pakistanis, Hindus, Muslims will defeat you together and defeat your anarchy.”
