Sikh, Hindu sites to be restored

LAHORE:

Punjab government has launched an initiative to restore historic Sikh and Hindu religious sites in Gujranwala and Wazirabad.

The sites include the Tomri Mandir, Jain Mandir, Ranjit Singh Museum and Dhonkal Baoli, which will be opened to worshippers, citizens and tourists to showcase the region’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.

Provincial Secretary for Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Dr Ehsan Bhutta said Gujranwala is known as the “city of heritage” and the government plans to conserve the monuments and establish new museums and galleries.

The Gujranwala Museum building is expected to be completed by January, with preparations for exhibitions to be concluded by March for formally opening the facility in April.

Archaeology Director Hassan Ali described the projects as “narratives of our shared past,” noting the Mughal-inspired Tomri Mandir, the Jain Mandir’s links to Jainism, and the Ranjit Singh Museum’s role in preserving the legacy of the Sikh Empire. The Dhonkal Baoli, he added, was once a vital water source and social hub.

Stwant Kaur, General Secretary of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, said the restoration will promote interfaith harmony and global recognition of Punjab’s heritage.