Is Peshawar's Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara Facing Extinction Due to Financial Constraints?
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Synopsis
The Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara in Peshawar, a vital Sikh heritage site, is crumbling due to lack of funding for restoration. Local lawmakers are advocating for urgent financial support to preserve this historic place of worship before it deteriorates beyond repair.
Key Takeaways
- Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara is over 200 years old.
- The gurdwara is in critical condition due to lack of funding.
- Local lawmakers are advocating for financial support.
- Many historic sites are at risk of being lost.
- Preservation of cultural heritage is crucial for future generations.
Islamabad, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara, a significant historic Sikh worship site in Peshawar, is currently deteriorating due to a severe lack of funding for its restoration, as reported by local media on Tuesday. This gurdwara, situated in the Dabgari area of Peshawar, suffered extensive damage during the devastating earthquake of 2005 and remains unrepaired to this day.
With a history spanning over 200 years, the gurdwara is now in a precarious state, exhibiting cracks in the walls of its upper levels and rooms, while rainwater seeps through its damaged roofs, further worsening the situation daily, as highlighted by Pakistan's leading daily, The Express Tribune.
Recently, Minority Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs), Gurpal Singh and Askar Pervez, visited the Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara and expressed their concerns regarding its condition. Gurpal Singh noted that despite multiple appeals, authorities have not allocated any funds for the restoration.
The two lawmakers have co-presented a resolution to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat, urging the federal government to release funds for the gurdwara's reconstruction and repair. They stressed the urgent need to preserve this important religious site without further delay.
Many Hindu and Sikh religious sites, which became part of Pakistan following the 1947 partition, are in a state of disrepair, with numerous sites having been completely lost, including the historic Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Bhai Taru Singh in Lahore, as reported in August.
The sacred Sikh shrine, established around 250 years ago, remains closed and obscured behind shops and walls in a busy Lahore market, while much of its land has been encroached upon.
“The martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh is celebrated as remarkable. When he resisted cutting his hair, steadfast in his faith, the cruel Mughal regime ordered his scalp to be removed. He endured brutal torture for his unwavering devotion but chose death over abandoning his beliefs, remaining steadfast in his faith until the end,” as detailed in a report by Khalsa Vox.
This gurdwara was erected at the site of his martyrdom, where generations of Sikhs worldwide came to pray, reflect, and draw strength from his sacrifice,” it further noted.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the pressing need for the preservation of our cultural heritage. The Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara symbolizes not just faith but also resilience. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that such historic sites receive the necessary support to survive and thrive.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara?
The gurdwara is in a deteriorating condition, with significant damage from the 2005 earthquake and ongoing neglect.
How old is the Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara?
The gurdwara is believed to be over 200 years old.
What actions are being taken to restore the gurdwara?
Local lawmakers have presented a resolution to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat, urging the federal government to allocate funds for its restoration.
Why is the gurdwara significant?
It is a historic Sikh site that reflects the cultural and religious heritage of the Sikh community in Pakistan.
Are there other Sikh sites in Pakistan facing similar issues?
Yes, several Hindu and Sikh religious sites in Pakistan are in a state of disrepair, with many having been lost or neglected.
