Why Was the Historic 125-Year-Old Gurdwara Singh Sabha Demolished in Pakistan?

A 125-year-old historic Sikh shrine, the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, has been demolished in Pakistan’s Punjab province, triggering strong reactions from the Sikh community and diplomatic criticism from India. The structure, located in Farooqabad—around 70 km from Lahore—was reportedly brought down by a local businessman, prompting allegations of vandalism and concerns over the protection of minority religious heritage in the region.

The demolition has led to protests from members of the Sikh community residing in the area, who have called for accountability and immediate steps to prevent further damage to religious sites. India also strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism” against a revered Sikh place of worship. The issue has since drawn attention from Sikh organisations in India, including the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which raised the matter with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and submitted a memorandum seeking intervention.

The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib is recognised as a historically significant shrine associated with the Singh Sabha Movement, a Sikh reform initiative that emerged in the late 19th century. The movement played a key role in revitalising Sikh religious and educational institutions, making the site an important part of Sikh heritage in the region. The gurdwara’s location in Punjab placed it within a broader network of Sikh historical and cultural landmarks that predate Partition.

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Following the demolition, Punjab’s minorities minister Ramesh Singh Arora ordered immediate steps to assess the situation and directed the Auqaf Department to investigate the ownership and legal status of the land. According to reports, preliminary findings suggested that the property may not have been registered under Auqaf land records, raising questions about administrative oversight and land classification. Authorities have also indicated that restoration efforts will be initiated following the inquiry.

The incident has reignited long-standing concerns over the preservation of minority religious sites in Pakistan, particularly those with historical significance. Sikh organisations and heritage groups have repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger legal protection and maintenance of such structures. As investigations continue, the case is expected to remain under scrutiny from both domestic stakeholders and international observers, with calls for accountability and reconstruction of the demolished shrine growing louder.

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