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A major dispute in Farooqabad of Punjab province of Pakistan has increased tension at the international level. A case of illegal demolition of the 125-year-old historical ‘Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib’, located about 70 kilometers from Lahore, by a local businessman and alleged land mafia has come to light.

This incident took place on the night of 24 June 2026, after which the Government of India and the Sikh community have expressed strong displeasure and protest. It is alleged that this Gurudwara was demolished without any administrative permission with the intention of grabbing the land.

How was the historical Gurudwara demolished?

According to sources and local reports, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib was targeted by an influential local businessman and a land mafia network. It is claimed that no official permission (NOC) was taken for this entire action. Late in the night, in the dark, main parts of the Gurudwara were demolished with bulldozers. This incident has raised serious questions on the security arrangements of religious places in Pakistan.

Who is the responsible businessman?

At present, the official identity of the alleged businessman involved in this entire matter has not been made public. Pakistan Government and Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora have ordered an investigation. According to officials, this action was taken by a local businessman, whose aim was to illegally occupy the land. Even in Pakistani media, the accused is being addressed only as a local businessman.

Is the land mafia lobby so powerful?

According to reports, the accused had not taken any No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Local Sikh organizations allege that the police and administration did not take any concrete action in the initial period after the incident, which indicates that the accused may have influence in the local system. However, the matter gained momentum after the video went viral on social media and protests from the Sikh community.

The matter became serious after Nankana Sahib’s Sikh representative Bhupinder Singh and the local community expressed their protest by sharing videos on social media. After this, Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had to take cognizance of the matter and issued instructions for investigation.

What is India’s stand?

The Indian government has strongly condemned this incident and demanded immediate action and investigation from Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have received extremely sad news of the demolition of the historic 125-year-old holy Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farookabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly condemnable and targeted barbarity at this revered Sikh pilgrimage site. Its demolition, along with the absence of any concrete action by the local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) The news is a matter of grave concern.”