Akali Takht Jathedar Urges Maryam Nawaz to Preserve Sikh Historical Sites in Lahore

Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, has written to Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, urging her government to ensure the protection and preservation of Sikh historical and heritage sites in Lahore's Walled City.
in his letter, Giani Gargajj specifically sought an inquiry into the present condition of Lal Khooh and Katra Chandu, sites in the inner city of Lahore associated with the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
The letter was also addressed to Ramesh Singh Arora, a minister in the Punjab government of Pakistan and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Giani Gargajj said the purpose of the communication was not to level allegations against any government, institution or individual, but to draw attention to Lahore's shared historical heritage, which is connected with important chapters of Sikh history.
He said Lahore was not an external or unrelated place in Sikh history. According to him, the city has been associated with the memories of Sikh Gurus, sacrifices of Sikh martyrs and several chapters of Sikh tradition, with many of these links having physical historical markers.
Giani Gargajj said that over time, urban development, the Partition of Punjab and other historical circumstances had resulted in many such markers disappearing or no longer remaining in their original form. He stressed that the preservation of the historical sites that still exist has therefore become increasingly important.
The Acting Jathedar also appreciated the initiatives of the Punjab government in Pakistan to provide special funds for the upkeep of historical gurdwaras in western Punjab and for efforts to reopen them.
Regarding Lal Khooh and Katra Chandu in Lahore's inner city, Giani Gargajj said the matter had come to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib through the Sikh community. He said concerns had been raised about construction-related activity around the site and described the issue as a matter of serious concern for Sikhs.
He called for an official, fact-based inquiry into the matter. He suggested that the present status of Lal Khooh and Katra Chandu should be examined immediately by the Punjab government in Pakistan.
Giani Gargajj further suggested that if any construction or alteration work was underway at the site, it should be stopped until the inquiry was completed. He also called for experts from the Walled City of Lahore Authority, the Archaeology Department and other relevant departments to assess the historical and heritage significance of the location.
He recommended that Sikh history experts and representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should also be included in the inquiry process. If the investigation establishes the site's historical significance, he suggested that necessary steps be taken to formally protect it as a legally recognised heritage site.
The Acting Jathedar also called for a comprehensive heritage survey of all major sites associated with Sikh history in Lahore's inner city. He said the survey should document their present condition, historical significance, ownership and legal status.
He further urged that information about any action taken in the matter should be shared with the Sikh community and Sikh institutions.
Giani Gargajj expressed hope that the letter would be taken seriously and that necessary action would follow. He also sought that details of the action taken be shared with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.