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Faisalabad's Vanishing Heritage: Temples, Landmarks Lost to Encroachment

Dozens of historically significant buildings in Faisalabad, Pakistan, have reportedly vanished, replaced by commercial plazas. The losses include the 1906 Arya Samaj temple, a British-era rest house, and a library, with allegations of illegal land grabs using forged documents. A residence that once hosted Muhammad Ali Jinnah has been replaced by a fast-food outlet and bank. Heritage advocates are criticising administrative negligence and the failure to enforce preservation laws.

Key Points: Pakistan's Faisalabad Loses Historic Temples, Landmarks

  • Dozens of historic buildings demolished
  • Arya Samaj temple (1906) replaced by plaza
  • British-era rest house and library lost
  • Illegal land grabs and forged documents alleged
  • Authorities criticised for failing to enforce preservation laws
2 min read

Pakistan's heritage under siege as Faisalabad's temples, historic landmarks vanish

Dozens of historic sites in Faisalabad, Pakistan, including temples and British-era buildings, have been demolished and replaced by commercial plazas.

"Several of these demolished structures were deeply tied to the subcontinent's history - Mian Ajaz Bashir"

Faisalabad, April 7

Dozens of historically significant buildings have reportedly disappeared from the urban fabric of Faisalabad in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about administrative negligence and the unchecked influence of land grabbers, reports The Express Tribune. Many of these culturally rich sites have allegedly been replaced by commercial plazas, sparking criticism from heritage advocates, says the Pakistani daily.

According to The Express Tribune, Mian Ajaz Bashir, a senior journalist and art gallery chairman, stated that several of these demolished structures were deeply tied to the subcontinent's history, including the independence movement and visits by prominent leaders. He highlighted the loss of the Arya Samaj temple, built in 1906 by the Sanatan Dharma community in Jhang Bazaar near the Lasoori Shah shrine. Once a major religious centre attracting Hindu devotees, the site later came under the provincial Auqaf department after Partition.

Over time, however, it was allegedly demolished by private parties and replaced with a commercial building. Bashir further revealed that a British-era rest house near Karkhana Bazaar, originally constructed for farmers and travellers, was also torn down. The land has since been converted into shops, reportedly allocated to oil depot operators, raising safety concerns in the area. He added that a historically important municipal corporation building nearby was similarly demolished and is now used as a parking lot.

Another notable loss includes the Sanatan Dharma Library in Montgomery Bazaar, which was repurposed as the Muslim League House after independence. This building, too, was razed and replaced by a plaza. Bashir also alleged that the Central Cooperative Bank building, established in 1921 in Katchery Bazaar, was illegally taken over through forged ownership documents and subsequently redeveloped, as cited by The Express Tribune.

He recalled that a residence once hosting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1946 was also lost due to neglect. The site now houses a fast-food outlet and a private bank office. Criticising authorities, Bashir questioned the failure to enforce the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Act, 1982. He urged officials to review evacuee property records and take decisive action against illegal encroachments, as reported by The Express Tribune.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the loss of heritage is tragic anywhere, we must also look at our own backyard. How many old havelis and structures are we losing in Indian cities to malls and apartments? Conservation needs to be a priority on both sides of the border. 🤔
V
Vikram M
The report mentions a building that hosted Jinnah is now a fast-food outlet. Speaks volumes about their priorities. In India, we at least try to preserve the homes of our freedom fighters as museums. Heritage should unite, not be forgotten for commercial gain.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves history, this is devastating. The British-era rest house, the library... these are pieces of a story that is disappearing. It's a loss for all of South Asia, not just Pakistan. Hope there's a way to save what's left.
R
Rohit P
Land mafia and corruption destroying history. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? This is a global issue. The journalist Bashir is brave to speak up. Strong laws mean nothing if there's no will to implement them. Shameful.
K
Kavya N
The temple was under the Auqaf department after Partition. What was their role in its protection? It was a place of worship for the Sanatan Dharma community. Erasing such sites is erasing the multicultural past of the region. Very disappointing.

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