Pakistan gurdwara linked to Guru Nanak Dev to be restored

A historic gurdwara associated with Guru Nanak Dev in Sialkot, Pakistan, is set to be restored after remaining closed since Partition.

Known as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi Nanaksar, the shrine is located at Fateh Bhinder village in Daska district of Sialkot. The structure, which has fallen into disrepair, is undergoing assessment for restoration.

It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev visited the site. The shrine remained on the Pakistan side after Partition and was abandoned following the migration of the Sikh population.

A marble plaque inscribed in Gurmukhi detailing Guru Nanak’s visit is still present at the site.

Pakistan’s Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, Parliamentary Committee on Culture and Heritage Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, along with heritage experts, visited the site to assess its condition.

Arora said Guru Nanak stayed at the site after returning from Babe Di Beri in Sialkot. He said the gurdwara remained closed for nearly 80 years, leading to severe neglect. Cracks have appeared in the structure.

He described the restoration as part of a programme to preserve Sikh heritage and promote religious tourism under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Around 40-50 gurdwaras across Pakistan have been identified for restoration over the next three years. In the first phase, work on 17-18 gurdwaras is under way and expected to be completed by May.

Arora said Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan felt reassured knowing their sacred sites were protected. He said Sikh history would be incomplete without Pakistan.