Pakistan: Faisalabad’s Heritage Sites Disappear Due to Land Grabbing

The urban landscape of Faisalabad, Pakistan, has witnessed the disappearance of numerous historically significant buildings, raising alarms about administrative shortcomings and the increasing influence of land grabbers. Reports indicate that many of these culturally important structures are being replaced by commercial developments, eliciting criticism from heritage advocates.

One of the prominent voices in this context is Mian Ajaz Bashir, a senior journalist and chairman of an art gallery. He expressed deep concern regarding the destruction of structures that are vital to the subcontinent’s heritage, particularly those linked to the independence movement and visits by influential leaders. Among the notable losses is the Arya Samaj temple, which was established in 1906 by the Sanatan Dharma community in Jhang Bazaar near the Lasoori Shah shrine. This site, once a significant religious center for Hindu devotees, came under the jurisdiction of the provincial Auqaf department following Partition. However, it has reportedly been demolished by private entities and supplanted by a commercial building.

Bashir also pointed to a British-era rest house located near Karkhana Bazaar, which was initially built to serve farmers and travelers. This site, too, has faced demolition and has made way for shops, some of which are reportedly owned by operators of an oil depot, raising safety concerns in the area. Additionally, a historic municipal corporation building nearby has been destroyed, with the space now utilized as a parking facility.

Another significant cultural loss is the Sanatan Dharma Library situated in Montgomery Bazaar. After independence, this building was converted into the Muslim League House. It has also been razed and replaced by a commercial plaza. Additionally, the Central Cooperative Bank building, founded in 1921 in Katchery Bazaar, was allegedly taken over illegally through forged documentation, followed by redevelopment activities.

Bashir further recounted the loss of a residence that once hosted Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1946. This site, too, has succumbed to neglect and is now occupied by a fast-food outlet and a private bank’s office. He criticized the relevant authorities for not enforcing the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Act of 1982, urging officials to reassess evacuee property records and take stringent action against illegal encroachments.

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