After 24 years, Pakistan court orders to reopen Gurdwara in Karachi

Under the section 145 CrPc of Pakistan, it was a case of disputed property between Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The Gurdwara Arambagh was in possession of police authorities for last 24 years.

Amritsar, April, 12: After remaining sealed for 24 years, Karachi’s Gurdwara Arambagh will be reopened for Sikhs. Gurdwara Arambagh was sealed after court ordered on July 21, 1993. Since then, 11 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib had remained sealed in the Gurdwara Arambagh. In 2004, Sikhs had given possession of holy scriptures and some of the saroops and some of them were to India and some were sent to other gurdwaras in Sindh province for cremation.

Under the section 145 CrPc of Pakistan, it was a case of disputed property between Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The Gurdwara Arambagh was in possession of police authorities for last 24 years. But now the court has given clearance to Sikhs who will take the possession. Sikh community has installed Gurunath Granth Sahib in gurdwara on Monday as per the code of religious conduct.

Speaking to TOI, Sabha Hira Singh said, gurdwara was not under the management of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (PSGPC), which worked under the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). “We have our Sabha. In addition, we have formed Guru Nanak Khalsa Welfare Trust for the management of gurdwara and to work for the Sikh community. We don’t want to be under the purview of PSGPC as it is not an independent body,” he said. ETPB was trying to take control of the gurdwara, he claimed, adding that their gurdwara was strictly under the control of Sikh sangat (community).

A Guru Nanak Sewa Mandali, a registered non Sikh group of Karachi, staked claim on the property of Gurdwara Arambagh. Local Sikh community, however, objected and moved to court demanding to declare Guru Nanak Sewa Mandali as illegal. After 24 years, the court gave verdict in favour of Sikhs and the spiritual place Gurdwara has been reopened for followers.

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