Pakistan's Ancient Hindu, Buddhist Sites Face Vandalism, Neglect: Intel Reports

• Intel reports, activists, and experts reveal Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites across Pakistan, some 5,000 years old, face threats from vandalism, neglect, and illegal occupation.
• Threatened areas include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chilas, Hunza, Shatial, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, home to ancient temples and petroglyphs.
• Extremist groups are accused of defacing imagery, while local authorities have painted over ancient carvings, amounting to desecration.
• Chilas is noted for the presence of hardline Islamist groups, raising concerns for nearby archaeological and religious sites.
• Activists urge Pakistan to uphold UNESCO commitments, calling for stronger legal protection, on-ground security, and international monitoring to prevent irreversible loss.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's ancient Hindu and Buddhist heritage is at severe risk from neglect, vandalism, and extremist actions.