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Lahore, July 2
A decades-old historic gurdwara in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been demolished, triggering protests by the Sikh community and prompting the provincial government to order its immediate restoration. The incident came to light after members of the local Sikh community raised objections over the demolition of Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, around 70 kilometers from Lahore.
According to officials, a local businessman allegedly demolished the gurdwara without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate from the concerned department. Following protests by the Sikh community, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took note of the matter and directed authorities to initiate action.
Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora visited the site on Wednesday, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Sheikhupura, Assistant Commissioner Imran Ali Harl, and officials from the Municipal Committee and the Auqaf Department. During the visit, he met members of the Sikh community and listened to their concerns.
Addressing the media, Arora said preliminary information indicated that the demolition was carried out without the required authorities’ approval. He said the Punjab government remains committed to protecting the rights of minority communities and safeguarding their places of worship.
The minister said he had personally inspected the site and directed the Auqaf Department to conduct an inquiry into the ownership and legal status of the land on which Gurdwara Singh Sabha stood. He instructed officials to submit a factual report at the earliest and announced that restoration work on the historic gurdwara would begin immediately.
Meanwhile, local traders expressed concern about the restoration plan, noting that several families have been living on the premises and that shops have been operating there for decades. They urged the government to provide alternative housing and livelihood support to affected residents if relocation becomes necessary.
The provincial government has assured that the matter will be examined thoroughly, balancing the protection of religious heritage with local residents’ concerns.
