Historic Nanaksar Gurdwara in Pakistan to Reopen After 80 Years

A historic Sikh shrine associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, located in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, is set to be restored and reopened after remaining closed for nearly 80 years since the Partition. The gurdwara, known as Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, is situated in Fateh Bhinder village in Daska tehsil. The structure, currently in a dilapidated condition, is undergoing inspection to assess the required restoration work. The site holds great historical significance as it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place during his travels. Following the Partition in 1947, the area became part of Pakistan, and with the migration of Sikh families, the shrine remained abandoned for decades. Despite this, a marble plaque inscribed in Gurmukhi still exists at the site, preserving historical details of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit. Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Cultural Committee Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, recently visited the gurdwara along with experts to review its condition. Speaking on the occasion, Arora stated that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had halted at this site while returning from “Babe Di Beri” in Sialkot. He noted that the building has significantly deteriorated over time, with visible cracks due to prolonged neglect. He further informed that, under the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, efforts are being made to preserve Sikh heritage and promote religious tourism. As part of this initiative, Pakistan plans to restore around 40–50 gurdwaras over the next three years. In the first phase, work on 17–18 gurdwaras is already underway and is expected to be completed by May. Arora added that Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan feel encouraged to see their sacred sites being preserved. He also remarked that Sikh history remains incomplete without Pakistan, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections.