India condemns demolition of Sikh shrine in Pakistan

India has strongly condemned the demolition of a historic Sikh shrine in Pakistan, calling it a targeted act of vandalism and demanding an immediate investigation and restoration. The incident has sparked protests and drawn attention to the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan.

The 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, located about 70 kilometers from Lahore, was reportedly demolished by a local businessman without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate from authorities. The demolition prompted protests from the Sikh community in both Pakistan and India.

In an official statement on Wednesday, July 1, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the reports as deeply distressing. He condemned what he termed a highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine. The Indian government expressed grave concern over the destruction and reports that no meaningful action had been taken by local authorities or Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board, which administers religious properties left by minorities.

India called upon the government of Pakistan to expeditiously investigate the matter and...