PESHAWAR (Nazrana Times): The Sikh community has appealed to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene in the continued closure of Gurdwara Singh Sabha in the Ghalla Mandi area of Peshawar Cantonment. Community representatives want the building vacated and handed over to the local Sikh congregation for religious worship.

District Peshawar Minority Chairman Sardar Parvinder Singh has submitted a formal application to the prime minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and other relevant authorities seeking the shrine’s restoration.

Application cites construction in 1870 and registration in 1902

According to the application, the gurdwara was built in 1870 during British rule and registered with the Cantonment Board in 1902. The property covers approximately 8,030 square feet. The application also refers to historical records and documents relating to the building.

Allegations of commercial and residential use

Parvinder Singh alleged that the ETPB had leased out the premises, which were being used as shops, warehouses and residences. He further claimed that some tenants had rented rooms and other spaces to additional occupants.

He said these arrangements prevented the Sikh community from using its historic place of worship. Responses from the ETPB and the tenants to these allegations were not included in the information provided.

Around 250 Sikh families reportedly affected

Singh said approximately 250 Sikh families lived in Peshawar Cantonment and faced difficulties conducting religious rituals and gatherings because the gurdwara remained closed.

He said Pakistan held a special place in Sikh religious history. The continued closure of an important historic shrine, he argued, caused disappointment within the community and could affect the country’s reputation for protecting religious heritage and minority rights.

Previous applications and assurances cited

Singh said several applications had already been submitted to the ETPB. According to him, One-Man Commission Chairman Shoaib Suddle and the ETPB secretary had visited the gurdwara and assured the community that it would reopen soon. However, the building had yet to be vacated.

The One-Man Commission, headed by Suddle, was established following an order of Pakistan’s Supreme Court to safeguard minority rights.

Community seeks return of building for worship

Singh urged Prime Minister Sharif to take immediate notice and direct the relevant authorities to have the premises vacated and handed over to the Peshawar Cantonment Sikh congregation. He said restoring the gurdwara would enable local Sikh families to practise their religion freely.

Report: Ali Imran Chattha