Queta /Chandigarh: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has called on the Governor of Balochistan to take immediate action to restore and protect the historic Gurdwara building in Quetta, expressing deep concern over its reported demolition or alteration.
NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said the reported destruction of a historic Sikh religious site is a matter of serious concern for Sikhs across Pakistan and around the world. He urged the Balochistan government to treat the issue not simply as a property dispute, but as a question of religious freedom, minority rights and preservation of historical heritage.
“A Gurdwara is not merely a building. It represents the faith, history, sacrifices and centuries-old presence of the Sikh community. No historic Sikh religious site should be demolished, altered or transferred without full transparency, legal scrutiny and consultation with the Sikh community,” Chahal said.
NAPA has formally urged the Governor of Balochistan to order an immediate independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the reported demolition or alteration of the Gurdwara. The inquiry should establish who authorized the action, under what legal authority it was carried out, what happened to the original structure and whether the property continues to retain its religious and historical status.
NAPA is also demanding that all further construction, demolition, transfer or modification of the site be halted immediately until the investigation is completed.
The organization has called for the restoration of the historic Gurdwara building, wherever technically and structurally possible, and for the site to receive permanent legal protection as Sikh religious and cultural heritage.
“We respectfully ask the Governor to set a clear deadline for action. Within 30 days, the authorities should publicly disclose the findings of the preliminary investigation, clarify the legal status of the property and announce a concrete restoration and protection plan,” Chahal said.
NAPA further called for direct consultation with representatives of the Sikh community, including recognized Sikh religious and community organizations in Pakistan and representatives of the international Sikh diaspora. Decisions concerning a historic Gurdwara, it said, should never be made without meaningful Sikh participation.
“The world is watching how Pakistan treats the religious heritage of its minorities. Protecting a historic Gurdwara would demonstrate respect for diversity, religious coexistence and the country’s own history. We hope the Governor of Balochistan will act decisively and restore this important symbol of Sikh heritage,” Chahal said.
NAPA also appealed to the Government of Pakistan to establish a comprehensive national inventory and protection mechanism for historic Sikh religious sites, including Gurdwaras that are no longer regularly used for worship but remain historically significant.
Chahal emphasized that preserving Sikh heritage should not be viewed as a favour to the Sikh community.
“This is about protecting history. Sikh heritage is part of the history of the Indian subcontinent, and historic Gurdwaras deserve the same respect and protection as other important religious and cultural monuments. We urge the authorities to restore what can be restored and protect what remains for future generations.”
NAPA said it will continue to monitor developments concerning the Quetta Gurdwara and will remain engaged with Sikh organizations, human-rights advocates and diaspora representatives seeking the preservation of Sikh religious heritage.