A historic Sikh shrine in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has become the centre of controversy after allegations surfaced that an official approved its sale and demolition in exchange for a bribe. According to reports, the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Abbottabad was allegedly transferred to a private buyer after an official of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) accepted one crore Pakistani rupees.
The official is accused of granting permission to demolish the gurdwara structure, reportedly paving the way for the construction of a clothing boutique on the site. The development has triggered deep distress within Pakistan’s Sikh community, which views the shrine as an important part of its religious and historical legacy.
Allegations against the Evacuee Trust Property Board
The Evacuee Trust Property Board is a statutory body tasked with managing and safeguarding religious properties belonging to minority communities, including Sikhs and Hindus. Established after Partition, the ETPB is responsible for maintaining gurdwaras, temples and other places of worship left behind by migrating communities.
In the present case, media reports allege that the ETPB administrator in Hasan Abdal, Attock district, handed over possession of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Abbottabad to a local resident identified as Wahid Bala. The official allegedly permitted demolition of the building and approved plans to construct a commercial establishment.
Reports further state that the buyer registered the land in the names of his two wives and has begun preparations to open a boutique on the premises. These claims have intensified scrutiny of the ETPB’s role and raised questions about the protection of minority heritage sites.
Community members have alleged that for years the ETPB collected rent from shops operating within the gurdwara complex but did not undertake adequate restoration or preservation work. Even today, the surrounding locality reportedly continues to be known as “Gurdwara Market” and “Gurdwara Gali,” reflecting the site’s historical identity.
Historical and religious significance
Historical accounts suggest that the gurdwara was constructed in the 19th century during the period of Sikh rule in the Hazara–Abbottabad region between 1818 and 1849. The region served as an important military and administrative centre of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Religious institutions, including gurdwaras, were established to serve the Sikh population present at the time.
Before Partition in 1947, Abbottabad had a substantial Sikh and Hindu population. Alongside the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Abbottabad, a Hindu temple also stood nearby, making the area a significant religious hub for both communities.
After Partition, many Sikhs and Hindus migrated to India, and religious activities at the gurdwara ceased. Over the decades, in the absence of a resident Sikh population, the building reportedly fell into disuse and gradually deteriorated. By the late 20th century, the structure was described as dilapidated.
Despite reports of demolition and transfer of ownership, inscriptions reportedly remain visible at the site. The entrance still bears the name “Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha” inscribed in Gurmukhi script, and the phrase “Sachkhandi Vasai Nirankar” is said to be written outside the Diwan Hall, underscoring its religious character.
Members of the Sikh community in Pakistan have demanded immediate action, including the dismissal of the official accused of authorising the sale and demolition. They have also urged authorities to intervene to preserve what remains of the structure.
The controversy surrounding the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Abbottabad has reignited debate about the preservation of minority religious heritage in Pakistan. As investigations continue, the case has drawn renewed attention to the fragile status of historic religious sites and the need for institutional accountability in safeguarding cultural legacy.
