Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Akal Takht Seeks Protection for Sikh Heritage Sites in Lahore
A Sikh religious leader has asked officials in Pakistan’s Punjab province to protect two old Sikh historical places in Lahore.
The places are called Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu.
They are connected with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev.
People are worried that construction work may be happening near them.
The leader asked the government to investigate what is happening.
He said any construction should stop until the investigation is finished.
Experts and Sikh history representatives should help examine the sites.
He also wants important Sikh places in Lahore recorded and protected for the future.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif seeking protection for Sikh heritage sites in Lahore.
He specifically highlighted Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu, which are associated with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev.
Gargajj cited concerns about construction activity near the sites but called for an official inquiry rather than relying on assumptions.
He urged authorities to halt any construction or alterations pending the inquiry and assess the sites’ historical significance.
He also called for a wider survey of Sikh historical sites in Lahore’s Walled City and legal protection for sites found to have heritage value.
- Who
- Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with the letter also sent to Ramesh Singh Arora.
- What
- He sought an inquiry and protection for Lahore’s Sikh heritage sites, especially Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu.
- When
- The report was issued on September 23.
- Where
- The sites are in Lahore’s Walled City, in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
- Why
- Concerns had been raised about construction-related activity and the possible loss or alteration of sites linked to Sikh history.
- Main requester
- Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj
- Recipient
- Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province
- Sites highlighted
- Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu
- Historical association
- The sites are associated with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
- Requested action
- Conduct an official fact-finding inquiry and halt construction or alterations during the inquiry
- Proposed experts
- The Walled City of Lahore Authority, Archaeology Department, Sikh history experts and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee representatives
- Broader proposal
- Survey major Sikh historical sites in Lahore’s Walled City and legally protect those with established heritage significance