View source for Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib

{{Short description|Historic Sikh gurdwara in Punjab, Pakistan}}

{{Infobox building
| name                = Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib
| native_name         = {{nq|گردوارہ سری گرو سنگھ سبھا صاحب}}<br/>ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਭਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ
| image               = Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib demolition 2026.jpg
| image_size          = 300px
| caption             = Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib before its partial demolition in 2026
| location_town       = [[Farooqabad]] (formerly Chuharkana), [[Sheikhupura District]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]]
| location_country    = [[Pakistan]]
| construction_start_date = c.&nbsp;1900–1901
| architectural_style = [[Sikh architecture]]
}}

'''Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib''',{{efn|[[Shahmukhi]]: {{Nastaliq|گردوارہ سری گرو سنگھ سبھا صاحب}}<br/>[[Gurmukhi]]: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਭਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ}} also known simply as '''Gurdwara Singh Sabha''', is a historic [[gurdwara]] located in [[Farooqabad]] (formerly Chuharkana), [[Sheikhupura District]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]. Constructed around the beginning of the 20th century, the shrine is associated with the [[Singh Sabha movement]], the Sikh reform movement that emerged in the late nineteenth century and played a significant role in the revival of Sikh religious and educational institutions.<ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=What to know about 125-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha demolished in Pakistan |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/what-to-know-about-125-year-old-gurdwara-singh-sabha-demolished-in-pakistan-punjab-india-condemns-act-101782962592295.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=2 July 2026}}</ref><ref name="NDTV">{{cite news |title=Pakistan's 125-year-old Gurdwara was demolished. Here's its story |url=https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/pakistans-125-year-old-gurdwara-was-demolished-here-is-its-story-11716666 |work=NDTV |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

The gurdwara stands close to [[Gurdwara Sacha Sauda]], one of the principal shrines associated with [[Guru Nanak]], and historically served the Sikh community of Chuharkana before the [[Partition of India]] in 1947.<ref name="ToI">{{cite news |title=125-year-old gurdwara demolished in Pakistan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/125-year-old-gurdwara-demolished-in-pakistan/articleshow/132075211.cms |work=The Times of India |date=30 June 2026}}</ref><ref name="Tribune">{{cite news |title=125-year-old Gurdwara demolished by businessman without permission; restoration ordered |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/pakistan/125-year-old-gurdwara-singh-sabha-demolished-in-pakistan-by-businessman-without-permission-restoration-ordered/ |work=The Tribune |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

The shrine attracted international attention in June 2026 after portions of the historic structure were demolished during an alleged illegal demolition, prompting protests by Sikh organisations, condemnation by the [[Government of India]], and assurances from Pakistani authorities that the gurdwara would be restored.<ref name="ET">{{cite news |title=India condemns demolition of 125-year-old Gurdwara in Pakistan, seeks restoration |url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/india-condemns-demolition-of-125-year-old-gurdwara-in-pakistan-seeks-restoration/articleshow/132140477.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

==Location==

The gurdwara is situated in the town of '''Farooqabad''', historically known as '''Chuharkana''', in [[Sheikhupura District]] of Pakistan's Punjab province. The town lies approximately 35 kilometres west of [[Nankana Sahib]] and is closely associated with Sikh history owing to the presence of [[Gurdwara Sacha Sauda]], where [[Guru Nanak]] is believed to have performed the episode known as ''Sacha Sauda'' ("True Bargain").<ref name="NDTV" />

Located only a short distance from Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib formed part of the historic Sikh religious landscape of the town during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.<ref name="ToI" />

==Significance==

The gurdwara derives its historical importance from its association with the '''[[Singh Sabha movement]]''', a reform movement founded in 1873 that sought to revive Sikh religious institutions, promote Punjabi education in the [[Gurmukhi]] script, standardise Sikh practices, and strengthen Sikh identity during the colonial period.<ref name="NDTV" />

Constructed approximately 125 years before its demolition in 2026, the shrine became a local centre for Sikh religious and community activities and was regarded as one of the surviving pre-Partition Sikh monuments in Farooqabad.<ref name="HT" />

Following the Partition of India in 1947 and the migration of the town's Sikh population, the gurdwara ceased functioning as an active place of worship but continued to survive as an important reminder of the region's Sikh heritage.<ref name="NDTV" />

==History==

===Construction===

Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib was established around 1900–1901 during the expansion of the Singh Sabha movement across undivided Punjab. Contemporary reports describe the building as approximately 125 years old, with its year of construction reportedly inscribed above the main entrance.<ref name="NDTV" /><ref name="Hindu">{{cite news |title=Historic Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan's Punjab |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/historic-gurdwara-demolished-in-pakistans-punjab-sikh-community-protests/article71173204.ece |work=The Hindu |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

The shrine served the Sikh residents of Chuharkana during the late colonial period, when the town possessed a vibrant Sikh community and several religious institutions connected with the life of Guru Nanak.<ref name="NIE">{{cite news |title=125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; Sikh groups seek intervention |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Jul/02/125-year-old-gurdwara-demolished-in-pakistan-mea-condemns-act-sikh-groups-seek-intervention |work=The New Indian Express |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

===After Partition===

Following the [[Partition of India]] in 1947, the Sikh population of Farooqabad migrated to India, leaving the gurdwara without a resident congregation. According to later reports, the property was subsequently occupied for residential purposes, while the historic structure largely remained standing for decades despite neglect.<ref name="NDTV" /><ref name="Hindu" />

Despite no longer functioning as an active gurdwara, the building continued to be recognised by Sikh organisations as a significant historic monument because of its connection with the Singh Sabha movement and its proximity to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda.<ref name="HT" />

==Demolition==

[[File:125-Year-Old Gurdwara Singh Sabha Demolished In Pakistan.jpeg|thumb|The gurdwara after portions of the historic structure were demolished in June 2026.]]

During the night of 24–25 June 2026, substantial portions of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib were demolished by heavy machinery, reportedly at the direction of a local businessman seeking to redevelop the property.<ref name="NDTV_News">{{cite news |title=Pakistani businessman demolishes 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, sparks protest |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistani-businessman-demolishes-125-year-old-gurdwara-sri-guru-singh-sabha-sahib-in-farooqabad-sparks-protest-11715534 |work=NDTV |date=2 July 2026}}</ref><ref name="Hindu" />

According to Pakistani authorities, the demolition was carried out without approval from the relevant government departments. Initial reports indicated that most of the historic building had been razed, leaving only sections of the front façade and boundary walls standing. The demolition attracted widespread attention after photographs and videos circulated on social media showing rubble scattered across the site and construction machinery operating within the compound.<ref name="NIE" /><ref name="IndiaToday">{{cite news |title=Historic 125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-news-historic-125-year-old-gurdwara-demolished-pakistan-punjab-lhore-mea-reaction-2939213-2026-07-02 |work=India Today |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

Reports stated that the businessman had allegedly purchased or occupied part of the surrounding property and intended to replace the historic structure with a commercial complex. Local Sikh representatives disputed the legality of the demolition and argued that the shrine was a historic religious monument that should have been protected irrespective of ownership claims.<ref name="NDTV" /><ref name="HT" />

The incident was widely condemned by Sikh organisations in Pakistan and abroad, who described the demolition as an attack on Sikh religious heritage. Community leaders demanded criminal proceedings against those responsible and called for the complete reconstruction of the shrine using its original architectural design.<ref name="Hindu" />

===Government response===

Soon after the incident became public, officials of the [[Evacuee Trust Property Board]] (ETPB), the [[Punjab Police (Pakistan)|Punjab Police]], and the district administration visited the site to assess the damage. Pakistani authorities stated that the demolition had been undertaken without official permission and ordered an inquiry into the incident.<ref name="NDTV_News" />

Police arrested several individuals in connection with the demolition, including the businessman alleged to have organised the operation. Officials also announced that the demolished portions of the shrine would be reconstructed under government supervision.<ref name="Pragativadi">{{cite news |title=Pakistan orders restoration after demolition of historic Sikh shrine |url=https://www.pragativadi.com/pakistan-announces-restoration-of-125-year-old-gurdwara-after-india-condemns-demolition/ |work=Pragativadi |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

The [[Evacuee Trust Property Board]] stated that the restoration would seek to preserve the historic appearance of the gurdwara and that action would be taken against those found responsible for violating heritage and property regulations.<ref name="Hindu" />

==Reactions==
{{Tweet
| name = Randhir Jaiswal
| username = MEAIndia
| text = Our response to media queries regarding reported demolition of 125-year-old Gurdwara in Pakistan ⬇️
| date = 1 July 2026
| ID = 2072315705840771575
}}

The demolition prompted condemnation from Sikh organisations, heritage activists and political leaders in India and Pakistan.

The [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)]] described the demolition as a "highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism" and urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure the immediate restoration of the shrine and take strict action against those responsible. The ministry further stated that the incident reflected a broader pattern of attacks on the religious heritage of minority communities in Pakistan.<ref name="ET" /><ref name="NDTV_Slams">{{cite news |title=Highly deplorable: India slams demolition of 125-year-old Pakistan gurdwara |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/highly-deplorable-india-slams-demolition-of-125-year-old-pak-gurdwara-11714884 |work=NDTV |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

The [[Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee]] (DSGMC) condemned the demolition and appealed to international organisations, including [[UNESCO]], to intervene for the protection of Sikh religious heritage in Pakistan.<ref name="ANI">{{cite news |title=Regrettable: Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemns demolition of 125-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/regrettable-delhi-minister-manjinder-singh-sirsa-condemns-demolition-of-125-year-old-gurdwara-in-pakistan20260702142624 |work=ANI |date=2 July 2026}}</ref>

Several Sikh organisations within Pakistan also expressed concern over the destruction of the shrine and urged the authorities to strengthen legal protections for historic gurdwaras and other minority religious sites.<ref name="Hindu" />

==Conservation and restoration==

Following public criticism and diplomatic protests, Pakistani authorities announced that the demolished portions of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib would be reconstructed. Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board stated that restoration work would be undertaken under official supervision and that legal proceedings would continue against those accused of carrying out the demolition.<ref name="Pragativadi" />

The incident renewed debate regarding the preservation of Sikh religious heritage in Pakistan and highlighted concerns about the protection of historic places of worship that no longer serve active congregations but remain culturally and historically significant.<ref name="HT" />

==See also==

* [[Gurdwara Sacha Sauda]]
* [[Gurdwara Janam Asthan]]
* [[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur]]
* [[Singh Sabha movement]]
* [[Sikhism in Pakistan]]
* [[Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee]]
* [[Evacuee Trust Property Board]]

==Notes==

{{notelist}}

==References==

{{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Gurdwaras in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Sikh architecture]]
[[Category:Sikhism in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Punjab, Pakistan]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Sheikhupura District]]
[[Category:Sheikhupura District]]
[[Category:Singh Sabha movement]]
[[Category:Gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak]]
[[Category:1901 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in 1901]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures demolished in 2026]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 2026]]
[[Category:Demolished religious buildings and structures]]
[[Category:Attacks on Sikh places of worship]]
[[Category:History of Punjab, Pakistan]]
[[Category:Cultural heritage of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Pakistan–India relations]]
[[Category:2026 controversies]]
[[Category:2026 in Pakistan]]
[[Category:2026 in religion]]