India Strongly Condemns the Demolition of a 125-Year-Old Historic Gurdwara in Pakistan’s Farooqabad
- MGMMTeam
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
India has expressed profound concern and strong condemnation over the partial demolition of the historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as a highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine, urging Pakistani authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
This development has drawn widespread attention to the challenges faced by religious minorities and their heritage sites in the region, prompting calls for swift investigation and restoration.
MEA’s Official Response
The Ministry of External Affairs, through Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India was deeply distressed by reports of the destruction of the 125-year-old sacred shrine. The statement highlighted the lack of meaningful action by local authorities and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) as a matter of grave concern.
India emphasized that this incident appears to be part of a broader pattern affecting religious minorities and their places of worship. The MEA called upon the Government of Pakistan to expeditiously investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and restore the demolished portions of the Gurdwara at the earliest. It further urged Pakistan to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of minority communities.
Details of the Incident
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, located in Farooqabad (also referred to as Mandi Chuharkana) in Sheikhupura district of Pakistan’s Punjab province, stands near the historic Gurdwara Sri Sacha Sauda Sahib. Reports indicate that unidentified individuals demolished portions of the structure during the night of June 24-25, 2026. The shrine, whose construction date is inscribed on its entrance gate, is recognized as a protected heritage site.
The property had largely remained unused since the 1947 Partition and was later allotted to refugees with clear restrictions against any structural alterations. Sikh community members and local residents promptly protested the demolition, leading authorities to seal the site and halt further activities. Punjab’s Minority Affairs Minister has reportedly assured that the damaged sections would be reconstructed.
Reactions from the Sikh Community
The incident triggered immediate outrage within the Sikh community both in Pakistan and abroad. Activists intervened to prevent additional damage, while organizations such as the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee submitted memorandums to Indian authorities seeking intervention and stronger protection for Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan.
Sikh leaders worldwide have described the Gurdwara as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage, stressing the need for its preservation for future generations. The event has reinforced calls for greater vigilance and respect toward minority religious sites.
Broader Implications
This episode highlights the ongoing importance of safeguarding historical and religious monuments across borders. It serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect cultural legacies that transcend national boundaries and foster interfaith understanding. Effective preservation efforts can contribute significantly to regional harmony and mutual respect.
The MGMM Outlook
The demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad is a deeply concerning incident that raises serious questions about the protection of religious heritage and the security of minority communities in Pakistan. India’s strong diplomatic response reflects the importance of preserving places of worship that hold immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. The incident also underscores the urgent need for authorities to ensure that protected heritage sites are safeguarded from vandalism and unauthorized alterations, while holding those responsible accountable through a transparent investigation.
The widespread reaction from the global Sikh community demonstrates that such monuments represent a shared legacy that extends beyond national borders. Preserving religious and cultural heritage is essential for fostering trust, promoting interfaith harmony, and respecting the rights of minority communities. Timely restoration of the damaged Gurdwara, coupled with stronger measures to protect vulnerable heritage sites, will be an important step toward reinforcing confidence that these invaluable symbols of history and faith will be preserved for future generations.
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