Amritsar: Sri Akal Takht Sahib acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has written to Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, seeking protection and preservation of heritage sites associated with Sikh history in Lahore’s walled city.
Giani Gargaj specifically sought an inquiry into the present condition of Lal Khooh and Katra Chandu, sites associated with the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He also addressed the letter to Pakistan Punjab minister and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Ramesh Singh Arora.
The Jathedar said the purpose of the letter was not to blame any government, organisation or individual, but to draw attention to Lahore’s shared historical heritage and sites connected with important chapters of Sikh history.
He said many historical sites have either disappeared or changed from their original form due to urban development, the Partition of Punjab and other historical circumstances, making the preservation of surviving sites particularly important.
Giani Gargaj also appreciated the Pakistan Punjab government’s efforts to provide special funds for the upkeep and reopening of historical gurdwaras in West Punjab.
According to him, the matter concerning Lal Khooh and Katra Chandu in Lahore’s walled city was brought to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib through the Sikh community. Concerns have been raised over construction activity around the site, which he described as a serious concern for Sikhs.
He called for an official, fact-based inquiry into the matter and suggested that any construction or alteration at the site be stopped until the investigation is completed.
The Jathedar proposed that experts from the Walled City of Lahore Authority, archaeology department and other relevant departments examine the site’s historical and heritage significance. Sikh history experts and representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should also be included in the inquiry, he said.
He further suggested that if the investigation establishes the site’s historical significance, necessary steps should be taken to legally designate it as a protected heritage site.
Giani Gargaj also called for a comprehensive heritage survey of all major Sikh historical sites in Lahore’s walled city, including records of their present condition, historical significance, ownership and legal status.
He sought that details of any action taken in the matter be shared with the Sikh community and Sikh organisations. He also expressed hope that the letter would be taken seriously and that details of the action taken would be shared with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
