The Sikh community in Balochistan, Pakistan, has raised alarms after a historic gurdwara building in Quetta, which also housed a school, was allegedly demolished to make way for a private shopping mall.

  • The historic Gurdwara Sri Singh Sabha on Archer Road was allegedly demolished.
  • The site, which housed St. Gabriel School, is reportedly being handed over to a private company for a shopping plaza.
  • Sikh leaders claim the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) failed to consult the community.
  • The incident has sparked protests in Quetta and condemnation from political leaders in India.

A wave of indignation has swept through the Sikh community in Pakistan’s Balochistan province following allegations that a historic religious structure in Quetta has been razed. The community claims that the building, which served both as a gurdwara and a school, is being cleared to facilitate the construction of a commercial shopping mall.

The Demolition of Heritage

Jasbir Singh, the Jathedar of the local Sikh community and Chairman of the Balochistan Sikh Council, revealed that Gurdwara Sri Singh Sabha, located on Archer Road, was demolished and handed over to a private entity. The building, which dates back to the 1930s, had been used to run the St. Gabriel School following the migration of Sikhs and Hindus during the Partition.

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According to Singh, the demolition process began in June, forcing the school to relocate. He emphasized that the community was neither informed nor consulted regarding this massive decision. "They have demolished our Guru’s house," Singh stated, expressing deep grief over the loss of a site that holds immense spiritual and historical value.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the repurposing of religious properties for commercial gain often signals a shift in the legal and social protections afforded to minority institutions. When heritage sites are converted into shopping centers without community consensus, it undermines the trust between minority groups and the state, potentially leading to long-term communal friction.

"They didn’t just demolish a building. They have demolished a piece of our history, our faith, and our identity." - Inderjeet Singh, Author.

The controversy has transcended regional borders, drawing significant attention from India. Former MP Tarlochan Singh has formally written to the High Commissioner for Pakistan in India, requesting diplomatic intervention to protect the interests of the local Sikhs. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson RP Singh characterized the event as part of a "systematic erasure" of the Sikh community in Pakistan.

In a conflicting statement, Pakistan’s Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, suggested that the property in question may have belonged to an individual Sikh rather than being a formal gurdwara property. However, Jasbir Singh has countered this, asserting that the community possesses legal documentation proving the site's religious status.

Did You Know?: Before the Partition of 1947, Quetta was home to at least 12 major gurdwara sites, many of which were lost to illegal occupation over the decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the role of the ETPB?
Answer: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) is the custodian of religious properties left behind by Hindus and Sikhs during the Partition.

Question 2: What was the building used for besides worship?
Answer: The building housed St. Gabriel School, providing educational services to the local community.