The Sukkur bench of the Sindh High Court has granted a stay order, restraining the potential demolition of a centuries-old Zoroastrian Agiary (atishkadeh or fire temple) belonging to the Parsi community.

Locally known as the “Mama Parsi Temple”, the sacred site is located opposite to the fire brigade station near Dua Chowk in Sukkur.

The court intervention follows a constitutional petition filed seeking the immediate protection and restoration of the historic heritage site, which dates back to 1923.

The petitioner, Shokat Ali Mahar, approached the court to address the severe deterioration of the temple compound, which also houses the Khan Bahadur Marker Parsi Dharamshala and an old school building. The petition highlights that while the site once stood as a testament to the Parsi community’s contributions to Sukkur’s trade, commerce, and social development, it now faces an existential threat due to neglect and illegal occupation.

It contended that following the migration of the Parsi community, the abandoned premises were illegally occupied by private individuals for residential purposes. The site has fallen into a state of ruin, characterised by cracked walls, broken windowpanes and locked sections, despite retaining evidence of its original architectural beauty.

According to the petition, there are serious apprehensions that land grabbers are attempting to encroach upon and potentially demolish the historic structure. The petitioner argued that relevant government departments had failed to fulfill their statutory, constitutional and moral obligations to protect and maintain heritage sites, despite a formal application having been submitted on April 24, 2025.

The petitioner prayed to the court to direct the relevant authorities to immediately inspect the heritage site and remove illegal occupants through due legal process. The court was also urged to declare the temple a protected heritage monument if it has not already been notified, initiate restoration and security measures, restrain any further encroachment or demolition, and take legal action against those involved in the illegal occupation or damage to the property.

Emphasising that the Mama Parsi Temple is a symbol of interfaith harmony and a vital part of the shared history of Sindh and Pakistan, the petitioner presented the case as a matter of public interest, urging swift action against alleged maladministration and the failure to protect the region’s cultural identity.

The owners of the property now live in Quetta, and the site is currently looked after by a single watchman without any formal security or protection.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2026