Punjab Orders Restoration of Historic Gurdwara in Farooqabad After Alleged Illegal Demolition

Lahore, July 1( Nazrana Times)
The Punjab government has ordered the immediate restoration of the nearly 80-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, Sheikhupura District, after reports surfaced that the historic Sikh place of worship had been demolished without legal authorization.
Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, conducted a surprise visit to the site following complaints from members of the Sikh community. He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Sheikhupura, Assistant Commissioner Imran Ali Harl, the Chief Officer of the Municipal Committee, officials from the Auqaf Department, other district authorities, and media representatives.
During the visit, the minister carried out an on-ground inspection and confirmed that immediate restoration work would begin. He directed the district administration to take urgent steps to rebuild the Gurdwara while ensuring transparency in the investigation process.
Preliminary findings, as shared by the Auqaf Department, suggest that a local businessman allegedly demolished the structure without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities. The minister termed the act a serious violation of legal and religious protections and stressed that no individual or entity has the right to alter or demolish a place of worship unlawfully.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued firm directives to safeguard minority rights and protect all places of worship across the province. He reiterated that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward violations involving religious heritage and minority protections.
The minister also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, instructing the Auqaf Department and district administration to submit a detailed, fact-based report. He highlighted that initial information indicates the land may not be registered under Auqaf control, making it essential to clarify ownership, legal status, and responsibility before proceeding with further legal action.
While the government has committed to restoring the Gurdwara, the issue has sparked concern among local residents and traders in the area. Many claim that the site had remained unused and abandoned for decades reportedly around 80 years during which time families settled there and businesses were established.
Local stakeholders fear that restoration of the religious site in its original form could lead to displacement of dozens of families and disrupt livelihoods. They have urged the authorities to adopt a balanced approach, calling for fair compensation, alternative housing, and relocation plans if eviction becomes necessary.
Officials have acknowledged these concerns and indicated that any action will be taken in accordance with the law, with efforts to minimize hardship for affected residents while upholding the rights of the Sikh community and preserving historical heritage.
The situation now involves parallel processes: a formal investigation into the alleged незакон demolition, legal clarification of land ownership, and the initiation of restoration work. Authorities face the challenge of balancing heritage preservation, minority rights, and the socioeconomic realities of the local population.
The case has drawn wider attention as a test of the government's commitment to protecting religious minorities and enforcing the rule of law in matters involving historic places of worship.