DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Demolition work at the historical Ram Leela temple in Rahim Bazaar here was halted on Wednesday following intervention by the Dera Civil Society president Sohail Ahmed Aazmi.

The temple is among around 400 properties in Dera Ismail Khan reportedly included in the cultural heritage list by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Pakistan. The building is believed to be around 200 years old and is situated in the heart of Rahim Bazaar.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Azmi, who is also the traders’ association president, said an attempt had also been made several years ago to construct a commercial plaza at the site, but the plan was stopped following intervention by residents, including traders.

He said consultations with the relevant authorities were under way to prevent any further damage to the historical structure and determine measures for its protection.

Activist claims a commercial plaza planned on temple site

Mr Azmi said he was informed in the morning that some people were attempting to demolish the temple to make way for raising a commercial building on the site. He said he reached the site, along with other citizens, and stopped the workers from carrying out demolition work.

According to Mr Azmi, a man present at the site told them that he had been awarded a contract to demolish the building.

Mr Azmi claimed that the building had been sold by the Evacuee Trust Property Board for Rs25 million during the tenure of former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He said the building had previously housed badminton and table-tennis courts, which were later discontinued because of the deteriorating condition of the premises.

Mr Azmi said the civil society and traders informed the district administration about the matter, following which Dera Assistant Commissioner Dr Hamid Siddiq reached the site and sealed the building.

Mr Azmi said the preservation of the heritage structure was important and called for the relevant authorities to determine its legal status and ensure that no unauthorised alterations or demolition were carried out.

The administration’s position on the ownership and demolition of the building was not immediately available.

TWO DIE ON ROAD: Two girls were killed and two other people injured when a motorcycle collided with a bus near Yarik here on Wednesday, a Rescue 1122 official said.

The deceased included three-year-old and 11-year-old girls, who died on the spot, the emergency service official said. A 35-year-old man, identified as Azeem, and a one-year-old girl were injured in the accident.

Rescue 1122 ambulances reached the site soon after receiving information about the accident. Rescue personnel provided first aid to the injured before shifting them to the hospital.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2026