AI Generated Summary
- Through recently surfaced audio messages, Chawla claims he has effectively been under house arrest for the past two and a half years, confined to a “safe and protected” location under what he calls a false narrative that India poses an imminent threat to his life.
- He has issued an appeal to Sikh leaders worldwide to raise his case on international platforms, both to safeguard his personal wellbeing and to address what he describes as severe mismanagement of Sikh religious sites in Pakistan.
- He reportedly told a close associate that for more than two years he has been completely removed from public life, barred from involvement in the PSS, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), and all other community-related activities.
Gopal Singh Chawla, a prominent Khalistan advocate and former President of the now-defunct Punjabi Sikh Sangat (PSS), has publicly accused Pakistani authorities and intelligence agencies of subjecting him to prolonged isolation, harassment, and fabricated allegations. Through recently surfaced audio messages, Chawla claims he has effectively been under house arrest for the past two and a half years, confined to a “safe and protected” location under what he calls a false narrative that India poses an imminent threat to his life.
According to Chawla, Pakistani authorities have repeatedly denied him permission to reside with his family. During this period of confinement, he says he has been allowed only four or five brief meetings with his wife and children—mostly at Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib.
He reportedly told a close associate that for more than two years he has been completely removed from public life, barred from involvement in the PSS, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), and all other community-related activities. Chawla alleges the restrictions are unjustified and built around a fabricated security narrative that he is under threat of assassination from India.
Chawla also voiced concern over the recent disappearance of Mor Singh, a sevadar at Gurdwara Shri Tambu Sahib. He claims that unidentified agency personnel detained Mor Singh while he was in Nankana Sahib visiting a relative injured ahead of Gurupurab.
Expanding his criticism, Chawla alleged that more than 300 gurdwaras in Pakistan are currently under the influence of land mafias. He accuses these groups of neglecting the religious sites, illegally selling or leasing gurdwara land, and undermining the Sikh community’s rights and heritage.
He further states that agency officials warned him of alleged threats from Afghanistan—warnings he dismisses as diversionary. Instead, Chawla asserts that his true safety concerns stem from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and from Ramesh Singh Arora, a key Sikh figure in Pakistani politics.
Chawla claims that his extended confinement at Gurdwara Chowa Sahib (Rohtas) has led to deep social isolation, financial hardship, and deteriorating health. He has issued an appeal to Sikh leaders worldwide to raise his case on international platforms, both to safeguard his personal wellbeing and to address what he describes as severe mismanagement of Sikh religious sites in Pakistan.
In response to the emerging situation, the local Sikh Sangat of Sri Nankana Sahib—led by former granthi Mahindra Pal Singh—released a video appeal urging Pakistani authorities and security agencies to ensure Chawla’s safety and wellbeing.
The Sangat praised Chawla for his “selfless and tireless service” to Pakistan, its people, and national festivals, asserting that he has historically played a significant role in building interfaith goodwill.
While acknowledging that Chawla is being held at a secure location due to purported threats, the community appealed for improved medical care and immediate family access, noting that both his daughter and mother are critically ill. Given his years of voluntary service, they urged the Pakistani state to fully bear the medical expenses of Chawla and his family.
