The 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Sheikhupura district, is set for government-led restoration following a partial structural collapse. Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Coordinator for the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, announced the preservation efforts on Saturday after touring the site with a multi-faith delegation. While social media reports previously alleged the site was being demolished, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) clarified that unauthorized demolition work was limited to two adjacent private shops.
Why the restoration was announced
The decision to restore the site follows a period of controversy sparked by a structural collapse and unauthorized construction activity. According to the ETPB, tenants of two shops adjacent to the inactive gurdwara attempted to tear down their structures without obtaining the necessary permits. District officials intervened on June 24, sealing the site and launching legal proceedings against those involved in the unauthorized work.
Following the incident, a delegation including religious leaders and community representatives—such as Sardar Palvinder Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh Gyani, and Bishop Kamran—toured the site with Ashrafi. The group issued a joint statement affirming that the government will not permit any changes to the ownership or status of religious sites, including temples, mosques, and gurdwaras.
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib is a 125-year-old heritage site located in the Farooqabad area of the Sheikhupura district.
What happens next for the site
The government plans to oversee the full renovation and preservation of the dharamsala. Ashrafi has advised the public to avoid entering the building until the restoration process is complete to ensure safety during the structural repairs. Both provincial and federal authorities have committed to protecting the site from any future encroachment.
The involvement of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee in this restoration project highlights a coordinated effort between state officials and multi-faith leaders to mitigate communal tensions. By framing the protection of the gurdwara as a matter of national heritage and religious harmony, authorities are attempting to resolve the controversy surrounding the site’s structural integrity while countering external narratives regarding the treatment of minority religious properties in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the damage to the site?
The site suffered a partial structural collapse due to its dilapidated state. Additionally, tenants of two adjacent shops engaged in unauthorized demolition work without permits, which was halted by district officials on June 24.
Is the gurdwara being demolished?
No. The ETPB has rejected reports of the gurdwara’s demolition, clarifying that only two adjacent shops were targeted by unauthorized tenants. The government has committed to the restoration and protection of the heritage site.
Who is responsible for the restoration?
The provincial and federal governments, in coordination with the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee and various religious leaders, have decided to restore and preserve the building.
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