Once known for its gurdwaras, Pindi losing its heritage to fanatic mindset, land mafia

The rich heritage of the Raj days which Rawalpindi city is a custodian of is fast losing to fanatic mindset and land mafia and the few gurdwaras and temples the city claims today, too, continue to face a threat from the private as well as the public enterprises. Gurdwara Singh Sabha is the latest example.

Located in Raja Bazaar, the gurdwara was once a center of Akali Sikhs. Later after the establishment of Pakistan, the government set up a school inside the premises. Recently, the head of the school demolished a portion of the gurdwara and constructed a mosque in its premises which is not permissible as the place is a property of The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Rawalpindi Region. Under the law, tenants cannot make any changes to the building.

Talking to Pakistan Observer an official of the ETPB said the board has sought the assistance of the Rawalpindi City Government and the DC office to launch an inquiry against the principal of the school. In order to protect the religious site, it has been conveyed to all the schools, offices and public departments working inside the ETPB buildings that they are not authorized to make any change in the construction scheme the building, he said. Gurdwara Sahib once used to be a spacious double-story building with rooms for pilgrims, a Langar hall, and Prakash Asthan. However, ETPB’s typical indifference and apathy have taken its toll and the building is losing its luster fast. One can see the worn out walls and arches, dry pond and rusty windows of the building. Sadly the remaining part of the building too is being converted and demolished under the name of religion.

with thanks: Pak Observer: LINK: for detailed news