Khanna takes strong note of demolition of 200-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan; writes to MEA seeking reconstruction, protection of minorities

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Sept.1

 Former MP and senior BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna has taken strong note of reports about the alleged demolition of a nearly 200-year-old historic gurdwara in Pakistan’s Balochistan and the ongoing construction of a shopping mall on the site, and has written to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar urging the Centre to raise the matter firmly with Islamabad and ensure protection of minorities’ lives, property and religious sites.

According to Khanna’s office secretary Jyoti Kumar Jolly, press reports indicate that the Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha on Archer Road in Quetta, capital of Balochistan, has been razed and the land allegedly handed over to a private builder for a commercial plaza, despite the site historically housing a school run by the Sikh community. Local Sikh representative Jasbir Singh and other community leaders have alleged that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which is mandated to protect minority religious properties in Pakistan, facilitated the transfer, sparking outrage among Sikhs in India and Pakistan.

Khanna said the protection of religious sites, properties and heritage of minorities in Pakistan is a matter of serious concern, and that destroying historic places of faith for commercial activities is “highly unfortunate”. He stressed that Sikh gurdwaras are not merely buildings but invaluable heritage of humanity and Sikh history, and called for an impartial inquiry into the demolition and any irregularities in the transfer of the property.

In his letter to the External Affairs Ministry, Khanna has demanded:

That the issue of safety of lives, property and religious places of Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan be raised strongly with the Pakistani government.

An immediate, independent investigation into the demolition and alleged sale/handover of the gurdwara land.

Halting of all commercial construction on the gurdwara site and ensuring reconstruction, preservation and restoration of the historic complex.

Effective diplomatic steps to prevent damage to religious sites and illegal encroachment on minority properties, and for India to raise the issue on all possible forums.

Reports also note that the number of gurdwaras in Pakistan has reportedly dwindled from about 12 in Balochistan to just two, underscoring long-standing anxieties over the erosion of Sikh heritage across the border. The Balochistan High Court has so far declined to stay the ongoing construction, further deepening insecurity among the local Sikh community, according to media accounts