Wednesday, June 14 2006 17:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Senior BJP leader L K Advani today (June 14,2006) condemned the demolition of a Hindu temple in Lahore to make way for a commercial building in its place.

In a statement here, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha recalled that the Pakistani government had last year asked him to inaugurate a project for restoration of ancient temples in that country.

"I strongly condemn the demolition. This latest happening has naturally shocked millions in our country," Advani said.

News reports from Pakistan said the country's Evacuee Trust Property Board, which administers historical shrines of religious minorities there, has allowed a jeweller to demolish Lahore's Krishna Mandir the last Hindu temple in that city to build a commercial establishment in its place.

Last year, the BJP leader visited the Katasraj temple, 60 km from Lahore, during his trip to Pakistan.