In Farooqabad, approximately 70 kilometers from Lahore in Pakistan's Punjab province, a historic Sikh gurdwara over 125 years old was demolished without official approval. The Gurdwara Singh Sabha was reportedly razed by a local businessman who did not obtain the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities. The incident sparked protests from the Sikh community, prompting the Punjab government to order immediate restoration.
Government Response and Restoration Order
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to investigate the matter after protests erupted. Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora visited the site on Wednesday alongside senior district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Sheikhupura, representatives of the Auqaf Department, and local administration. Following his inspection and discussions with Sikh community members, Arora announced that the gurdwara would be restored without delay.
Preliminary findings from the Auqaf Department indicated that the demolition was carried out without the required permission. The minister ordered an inquiry into the ownership and legal status of the land, noting that initial reports suggested the property was not registered as Auqaf land.
Minister's Statement and Commitment
"I personally inspected the site and instructed the relevant authorities to submit a fact-based report at the earliest," Arora said. He reaffirmed the Punjab government's dedication to protecting the rights of religious minorities and preserving historic places of worship, stating that restoration work on Gurdwara Singh Sabha would begin immediately.
Local Objections and Concerns
The proposed restoration has drawn objections from local traders operating near the site. They claimed the premises had been abandoned for nearly eight decades, during which time several families had settled there and numerous shops had been established. The traders urged the government to provide alternative housing and livelihood support to any families that might be displaced if restoration requires eviction.
The incident has raised concerns among Sikhs regarding the preservation of historic Sikh religious sites in Pakistan. The provincial government has assured action against any unauthorized demolition and pledged to restore the shrine.
