India has strongly condemned the demolition of a 125-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan’s Farooqabad, terming the reports as ‘deeply distressing.’ The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine is highly deplorable and targeted. India has called upon the government of Pakistan to expeditiously investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice. The statement came after a local businessman in Pakistan’s Punjab province demolished the decades-old gurdwara, sparking protests from the minority Sikh community.
The historic gurdwara, located about 70 kilometers from Lahore, was demolished without any clearance or obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department concerned. The demolition triggered protests by the Sikh community, both in India and Pakistan. A delegation of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) met MEA officials, seeking intervention into the matter and requesting the government to ensure that no further demolition or damage is caused to the structure in the neighboring country.
Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the matter following the protests, assuring that the government is fully committed to protecting the fundamental rights of minorities and safeguarding their places of worship under all circumstances. The MEA has urged the Pakistan government to restore and rebuild the demolished parts of the Gurdwara Sahib as soon as possible, citing grave concern over its destruction and the lack of meaningful action being taken by local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). India has also demanded a decisive end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan.
However, Pakistani traders operating around the site of the gurdwara have expressed their reservations over its restoration plan, citing concerns over the displacement of families who have settled and established businesses in the area. The traders have urged the Pakistani government to provide alternative housing and livelihood opportunities to affected residents if eviction becomes unavoidable.
