Lahore-The Punjab government in Pakistan has announced an expanded initiative to restore and reopen more than 50 historic Gurdwaras that have remained closed since the Partition of 1947. Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the programme during a visit to Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar in New Jersey, describing the effort as part of a broader plan to preserve Sikh religious heritage and promote faith-based tourism.
The restoration programme has expanded from an earlier plan covering 46 historic Gurdwaras. Work is reportedly underway at several sites, including Gurdwara Sri Kiara Sahib in Nankana Sahib, where a 40-room residential facility for pilgrims is being developed, as well as Gurdwara Amar Sidhu. The government has also announced intervention in cases involving damaged or threatened Sikh heritage sites. Following protests over the reported demolition of the approximately 125-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, Arora ordered an inquiry and announced government support for reconstruction and restoration.
The initiative also carries significance for the worldwide Sikh diaspora, particularly descendants of families connected to historic Sikh sites in Pakistan. Arora has invited Sikhs from around the world to visit Pakistan and reconnect with places associated with the Sikh Gurus, while pointing to improvements in security, accommodation and facilities for pilgrims. If implemented effectively, the restoration of these historic shrines could provide an important opportunity to preserve Sikh heritage and strengthen links between Pakistan’s historic Sikh sites and the global Sikh community.