The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) have strongly condemned the reported attempt to demolish a portion of the nearly 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Pakistan’s Farooqabad, urging immediate intervention to safeguard Sikh religious heritage.
BJP Punjab president Kewal Singh Dhillon described the incident as deeply disturbing and alleged that elements linked to the land mafia were behind the damage caused to the historic structure. He said the Gurdwara had already been declared a protected heritage monument by the Pakistan government, making any attempt to demolish it unacceptable.
Dhillon also expressed concern over the security of the Sikh community in Pakistan, claiming that incidents targeting Sikhs and Gurdwaras have increased in recent months. Referring to the recent killing of a Gurdwara sevadar and his wife, he said the Pakistan government must ensure the safety of Sikhs, protect their places of worship and preserve historic Sikh monuments.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee said it has taken up the matter with India’s Ministry of External Affairs. DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said a delegation met Joint Secretary Anand Prakash and urged the Centre to raise the issue with the Pakistan government.
The committee said attempts to damage the historic Gurdwara were reportedly resisted at the site, preventing its complete demolition. However, it termed the development a serious matter linked to the sentiments of the global Sikh community and sought immediate steps to prevent any further damage.
According to the DSGMC, the Ministry of External Affairs assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with Pakistani authorities without delay and appropriate diplomatic efforts would be made to press for the protection of the historic shrine and other Sikh religious sites in the country.
The committee also voiced concern over repeated reports of attacks on Sikhs and Gurdwaras in Pakistan, stressing that members of the minority community should be provided adequate protection and their religious heritage preserved.