Historic Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara in Pakistan’s Peshawar Crumbles Due to Funding Shortage
In the heart of Peshawar’s Dabgari area, the ancient Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara stands as a sad reminder of neglect. This over 200-year-old Sikh temple, a key part of Pakistan’s historic Sikh places of worship, has been in ruins since a devastating earthquake hit in 2005. Local media reports highlight how the lack of restoration funds has left it crumbling, with cracks spreading across the upper floors and rainwater leaking through the damaged roofs. Every rainy season makes the situation worse, putting this fragile heritage site at even greater risk.
Recently, two dedicated lawmakers stepped in to raise the alarm. Minority Members of the Provincial Assembly, Gurpal Singh and Askar Pervez, visited the Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara and expressed deep concern over its deteriorating state. Gurpal Singh pointed out that despite their repeated pleas, authorities haven’t released any funds for repairs. Taking action, the duo submitted a joint resolution to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat. They’re urging the federal government to step up immediately and provide the money needed for reconstruction. "This historic gurdwara must be saved without further delay," they stressed, emphasizing its importance to the Sikh community.
This isn’t an isolated case for religious sites in Pakistan. Many Hindu and Sikh shrines that ended up in the country after the 1947 partition now lie in ruins or have vanished entirely. Take the Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Bhai Taru Singh in Lahore, for example—a sacred Sikh shrine built about 250 years ago. A recent August report revealed it’s tucked away behind shops and walls in a busy market, completely closed off to visitors. Much of its land has been encroached upon, erasing its once-grand presence.
The story of Bhai Taru Singh, after whom the gurdwara is named, is one of incredible faith and sacrifice. As detailed in a ‘Khalsa Vox’ report, he faced brutal torture under the oppressive Mughal rule for refusing to cut his hair and staying true to his Sikh beliefs. When ordered to have his scalp removed, he chose death over compromise, inspiring generations. Sikhs from around the world once flocked to this gurdwara at the site of his martyrdom to pray and honor his legacy. Today, it’s a forgotten shadow of that vibrant history.
As calls grow louder for preserving these Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan, the hope is that quick action will restore the Bhai Joga Singh Gurdwara and others like it, keeping their stories alive for future generations.
