In the heart of Faisalabad, formerly known as Lyallpur, Pakistan, a small yet resilient community of approximately 200 Sikhs faces an ongoing struggle to reclaim their historical Gurdwara, Guru Singh Sabha. This sacred site, built in 1911, has been a cornerstone of Sikh heritage in the region. Yet, despite its deep historical significance and the protracted legal battle waged by the Sikhs, their pleas to reopen the Gurdwara for worship have been met with persistent opposition and denial.
It’s deeply troubling that Sikhs in Faisalabad, Pakistan, face such opposition to reopening a historical Gurdwara closed since 1947. Despite only 200 Sikhs in the city and a long legal battle, they are still being denied their right to worship. Faisalabad, formerly Lyallpur, in… pic.twitter.com/gYn0pOBWd3
— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) June 26, 2024
After the tumultuous partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the Gurdwara was seized and converted into the Pakistan Model High School, stripping the Sikh community of their place of worship. Since 1948, this act of appropriation has remained a sore point, reflecting a broader pattern of religious intolerance and disregard for minority rights in Pakistan. Today, the Gurdwara stands in ruins, a stark symbol of neglect and historical erasure.
The denial of the Sikhs’ right to worship in their historical Gurdwara is not just a legal issue; it is a profound human rights concern. This opposition from the local Muslim population and the indifference of the authorities underscore a troubling narrative of religious persecution. How can a nation continue to allow such blatant discrimination?
The plight of the Sikhs in Faisalabad is emblematic of the broader marginalization faced by Sikhs across Pakistan. Once a thriving community, the Sikh population in Pakistan has dwindled sharply due to systemic persecution and socio-political ostracism. This decline is not merely a demographic shift but a direct consequence of sustained oppression and religious intolerance.
Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom is enshrined in its constitution, yet the reality on the ground tells a different story. The Sikh community’s struggle to reclaim Guru Singh Sabha highlights the dissonance between Pakistan’s legal promises and its actual practices. This Gurdwara, now in tatters, is more than a building; it is a testament to the Sikh community’s historical presence and their right to religious expression.
It is incumbent upon the people and the government of Pakistan to address this injustice. The restoration and reopening of Guru Singh Sabha as a place of worship is not merely about righting a historical wrong; it is about affirming the principles of religious freedom and respect for minority rights. Pakistan must honor its commitment to protecting the cultural and religious heritage of all its citizens, irrespective of their faith.
The international community should also take note of this situation. The continued persecution and oppression of Sikhs in Pakistan is a human rights issue that demands global attention. By shedding light on these injustices, we can unite on the quest for justice and ensure our historical and religious rights are respected.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
