Historic Sikh Shrine Demolished in Pakistan: India Raises Strong Protest

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By TRH World Desk

The Ministry of External Affairs said the demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad reflects a continuing pattern of attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan.

New Delhi, July 1, 2026 — India on Wednesday strongly condemned the reported demolition of the historic 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan, describing it as a “highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism” against a revered Sikh shrine.

Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over reports that the historic gurdwara was demolished and alleged that local authorities and Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had failed to take meaningful action to prevent its destruction.

“We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

“We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine,” he added.

The ministry said the destruction of the religious site, coupled with the reported inaction by local authorities and the ETPB, was “a matter of grave concern.”

‘Not an Isolated Incident’

India said the demolition reflects a broader pattern of attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan. “This is unfortunately not an isolated incident, as we have also seen similar reports earlier. The systemic targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan continues unabated,” the MEA said.

The ministry urged Pakistan to conduct a swift investigation, bring those responsible to justice and restore the demolished portions of the shrine at the earliest.

India also called on Islamabad to fulfil its obligations to ensure the safety, security and well-being of minority communities and protect their places of worship.

“We urge the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of its minority communities and their places of worship, and put a decisive end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan,” the statement added.

Background

According to reports from Pakistan, parts of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, located in Punjab province’s Sheikhupura district, were allegedly demolished during a commercial redevelopment exercise.

The shrine, believed to be over 125 years old, is associated with the Sikh community that once had a significant presence in the region before Partition. Reports claimed that heritage activists and members of the Sikh community had raised objections over the demolition, alleging inadequate protection of the site despite its historical and religious significance.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious properties left behind by Hindus and Sikhs after Partition, has not publicly responded to India’s remarks.

The latest controversy comes amid recurring concerns raised by India and Sikh organisations over the condition and preservation of minority religious sites in Pakistan.

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