Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan): In a significant symbolic move, the Pakistan government has installed a bust of legendary Sikh military commander Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa at the Kartarpur Corridor Art Gallery, nearly three years after his statue was removed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province amid controversy.
The bust was unveiled on February 1, 2026, marking a rare moment of official recognition of Sikh historical figures on Pakistani soil. The development was made public by Sikhs in America president Gurinder Singh Josan, who shared the update through a social media post.
Describing the installation as a “historic moment,” Josan said the gesture could signal the beginning of a new phase of acknowledgment and respect for Sikh heritage and contributions, particularly in regions that once formed part of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa is widely remembered as one of the most formidable generals of the Sikh Empire and a key figure in securing its north-western frontiers. His legacy remains deeply revered among Sikhs worldwide, making the installation of his bust at Kartarpur — one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites — especially significant.
The move has drawn attention in Sikh circles globally, with many viewing it as a positive cultural and historical outreach initiative, though no official statement has yet been issued by the Pakistani authorities detailing the rationale behind the decision.
