200-year-old gurdwara demolished in Pakistan: Shopping mall to come up on site; SGPC, BJP flay move
PTC News Desk: A historic gurdwara in Pakistan's Balochistan has reportedly been demolished, receiving massive backlash from Sikh community. Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 200-year-old shrine is being replaced by a shopping mall.
The move has drawn significant criticism with local Sikh community protesting against the demolition, however authorities have not issued any response to their objections.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh shared information about the matter on social media. In a post, he said that according to the Balochistan Sikh Council, the incident was another disturbing example of the systematic destruction and gradual disappearance of Sikh religious heritage in Pakistan.
Reports from the Sikh community indicate that Balochistan once had 12 gurdwaras, but only two remain today. Across Pakistan, the number of historic Sikh religious sites is also reportedly declining.
‘Demolition of gurdwara is an insult to Sikh heritage’
RP Singh said a gurdwara is not simply a building or a piece of land. It is a sacred place connected to Sikh history, faith, struggles and sacrifices.
He said demolishing a gurdwara and replacing it with commercial property is a serious insult to Sikh heritage and religious sentiments.
Appeal to MEA
RP Singh urged the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately raise the matter with the Pakistani government and demand a full and independent investigation into the demolition.
He also called for an immediate halt to any commercial construction on the gurdwara land and urged authorities to ensure the reconstruction, preservation and restoration of the historic gurdwara complex.
RP Singh urges Akal Takht Jathedar to take note
The BJP leader also appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take immediate notice of the matter and issue a strong and clear statement against the destruction of Sikh religious heritage in Pakistan.
He said that if historic gurdwaras are demolished today and shopping malls are built on the same sites tomorrow, the world cannot remain a silent spectator.
He added that the issue is not merely about saving one building but about protecting Sikh history, heritage and identity.
- PTC NEWS
