India has strongly condemned the demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab province, calling it a deeply disturbing act that has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community worldwide. The incident has triggered protests and renewed concerns over the protection of religious heritage sites in the neighbouring country.
According to reports, the historic gurdwara in Farooqabad was allegedly demolished by a local businessman, reportedly to make way for a commercial project. Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed the structure being razed, prompting widespread outrage among Sikhs and heritage conservation groups.
Reacting to the development, India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the demolition as a “highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism.” It urged Pakistan to take immediate action against those responsible and ensure the protection, preservation and restoration of places of worship belonging to minority communities.
The ministry also reiterated its concern over repeated incidents affecting Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras and other religious sites in Pakistan. It said such acts undermine the rights of minority communities and called on Islamabad to fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding religious and cultural heritage.
The demolition has drawn strong reactions from Sikh organisations and community leaders, who described the shrine as an important symbol of faith and history. Many demanded a transparent investigation and strict punishment for those involved, while urging the Pakistani authorities to rebuild the gurdwara.
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib had stood for more than a century and was regarded as an important place of worship for local Sikhs. Its destruction has reignited concerns over the preservation of historical religious monuments, particularly those associated with minority communities.
Pakistan has not yet issued a detailed official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
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