Historic Lahore Gurdwara Reopens to Sikh Community After Decades
LAHORE: The historic Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Lahore has been handed over to the Sikh community after being vacated from decades of illegal occupation, allowing Sikh worshippers to perform religious rituals there for the first time since 1947.
Located in the Chungi Amar Sidhu area of Lahore, the historic gurdwara was cleared during an operation carried out by the district administration and police. Following the operation, possession of the site was formally transferred to the Sikh community.
After the restoration of access, Sikh pilgrims began religious activities by reciting the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, performing Gurbani Kirtan, and engaging in Naam Simran, marking the resumption of worship at the site after nearly eight decades.
Sikh leader Dr. Gulab Singh described the development as a historic milestone and thanked the district administration, police, and other authorities for their efforts. He also appreciated the contributions of Evacuee Trust Property Board Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights Ramesh Singh Arora.
Pakistan has reopened the historic Gurdwara Chhatti Patshahi in #Lahore after 77 years, marking the first Sikh religious prayers here since the 1947 Partition. The reopening followed the removal of alleged illegal occupants and the handover of the site to the Sikh community. pic.twitter.com/e3PW0ipjVB
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) July 8, 2026
Dr. Gulab Singh urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take steps for the complete restoration and preservation of the gurdwara so that its religious and historical heritage can be protected for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Singh Arora said that Pakistan is the first home of the Sikh community and that the government is working to restore more gurdwaras across the country. He said restoration and renovation work is currently underway on 17 gurdwaras in the first phase, while there is also a plan to make 50 more gurdwaras functional.
Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi is associated with the visit of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, in 1619. The present structure was built during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, while it was expanded and renovated in 1922 under the supervision of Sir Ganga Ram.
