Islamabad, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s claims of promoting Sikh heritage and religious tourism have come under scrutiny amid reports that several historic gurdwaras across the country continue to face neglect, deterioration and encroachment, raising concerns over the protection of minority religious sites.
According to a report by Khalsa Vox, Pakistani officials have been reaching out to the Sikh diaspora in the United States, seeking support for heritage restoration projects while promising improved facilities and easier visa procedures for pilgrims. The report highlighted an apparent contrast between these overseas initiatives and the condition of Sikh shrines in Pakistan.
Social media posts cited in the report claimed that Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, recently visited gurdwaras in the US to promote an ‘Adopt a Gurdwara’ initiative and invite the diaspora to November’s Gurpurab celebrations. Some posts alleged that cash and cashier’s cheques were collected from American gurdwara committees.
The report also referred to remarks by Anjum Javaid, reportedly associated with Punjab’s Directorate General of Archaeology, at a programme titled ‘The Sikh Kingdom’ in Lathrop, California. Javaid reportedly proposed an economic corridor connecting Nankana Sahib with the Khyber Pass, including the redevelopment of Jamrud Fort and Baba Phoola Singh Chhauni. He also claimed that around USD 700 million had been secured for heritage development, including USD 94 million from the World Bank.
However, the report questioned these claims against the backdrop of alleged failures to protect existing Sikh heritage sites.
It cited the demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad in June, which reportedly left parts of the shrine in ruins. A local businessman was accused of carrying out the demolition without the required legal clearance or a court order.
According to the report, authorities took notice of the incident only after Sikh residents staged protests. An official subsequently acknowledged that the department had failed to act before the community raised the issue.
The episode has renewed concerns over the security of minority religious heritage in Pakistan, with the report also pointing to allegations of religious discrimination and attacks on members of the Sikh community.
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