Milpitas(California)/Chandigarh: North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has strongly condemned reports alleging the demolition of a historic Sikh Gurdwara in Quetta, Balochistan, to make way for the construction of a commercial plaza.
Expressing deep concern, Chahal said that if the reports are accurate, the incident represents a serious attack on the religious freedom, cultural heritage, and historical identity of the Sikh community. He stressed that places of worship belonging to minority communities must be protected and preserved in accordance with the law and international human rights principles.
Chahal urged the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Balochistan, and all relevant authorities to immediately halt any construction activity at the site until a transparent and independent investigation is completed. He called for the facts surrounding the alleged demolition to be established without delay and for accountability if any violations of the law are confirmed.
“The Sikh community’s religious sites are not merely buildings; they are symbols of faith, history, and identity. Any attempt to erase or damage such heritage raises serious concerns and must be addressed with urgency,” Chahal said.
NAPA also called upon Pakistan’s federal and provincial authorities to ensure that all religious minorities, including Sikhs, enjoy equal protection under the country’s Constitution. Chahal emphasised that governments have a responsibility to safeguard places of worship and preserve historic religious landmarks for future generations.
He further appealed to international human rights organisations and bodies concerned with religious freedom to closely monitor the situation and encourage a fair, transparent, and lawful resolution.
NAPA expressed solidarity with the Sikh community in Quetta and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of Sikh religious heritage and the rights of minority communities across the world.
“The preservation of religious heritage is a shared responsibility of every civilized society. We hope the concerned authorities will act swiftly, investigate the allegations impartially, and take appropriate legal action if any wrongdoing is established,” Chahal concluded