The officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, has sent a communique to Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The letter asks her to protect and preserve Sikh historical heritage sites in Lahore's Walled City. Two sites are named specifically — Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu.
Both places are tied to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev. For the Sikh community, this is not a small matter. These are sites of deep religious and historical meaning.
Why Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu Matter to Sikhs
The Jathedar's letter focuses on two locations inside Lahore's Walled City. Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu are linked to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. The Sikh sangat raised the issue with Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which then took it up with the Punjab Chief Minister.
According to the original report, Giani Gargaj said the matter concerning Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu had been brought to the attention of Sri Akal Takht Sahib by the Sikh sangat.
Construction Activity Raises Alarm
The Jathedar's main worry is construction-related activity around the site. He called it a matter of serious concern for the Sikh community. Instead of relying on assumptions, he asked for an official fact-finding into the matter.
This is a careful approach. The Jathedar is not jumping to conclusions. He is asking for a proper inquiry before anything else. That is the right way to handle a sensitive heritage issue.
What the Communique Asks For
- Protection of Sikh historical heritage sites in Lahore's Walled City
- Preservation of Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu in particular
- An official fact-finding into construction-related activity around the site
- Action from the office of Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
The letter has now put the condition of these sites under scrutiny. It also puts pressure on the Punjab government in Pakistan to respond clearly.
Our Take: A Test of Heritage Protection in Pakistan
In our view, this letter is a reasonable and measured step. The Jathedar did not make accusations. He asked for facts. That is exactly what a religious leader should do when a community's heritage is at risk.
To put it plainly, the real test is what happens next. Lahore's Walled City holds Sikh history that cannot be replaced. If construction activity is damaging or threatening these sites, the Punjab government must act fast and share its findings openly.
For Sikhs around the world, Lal Khooh and Kattari Chandu are not just old buildings. They carry the memory of Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom. Protecting them is not a favour to one community — it is a duty to history itself.
Readers should watch how Maryam Nawaz's government responds. A clear, honest reply and a real inquiry would send a strong message. Silence or delay would only deepen the community's concern.
