Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 28 (ANI): Condemning the "attempts to convert" Gurudwara Shahidi Asthan in Pakistan's Lahore into a mosque, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday urged the Union External Affairs Minister to take up the issue with the Pakistan government to ensure the character of the shrine remains unchanged.

In a statement here, the SAD president said reports emanating from Pakistan indicated that constant efforts were being made to "convert the eighteenth-century shrine of Bhai Taru Singh into a mosque".

Also Read | Birds of a Feather Actress Linda Robson Reveals She Was Once Mugged Over a Designer Bag Filled With Dog Poop.

Badal said a "clear cut assurance" should be taken from the Pakistan government that such acts would not be allowed.

The SAD president said the Pakistan government should also ensure that Sikhs and Hindus did not face any impediments in observing the tenets of their faith.

Also Read | Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launches Web Portal to Facilitate Plasma Donation : Live News Breaking And Coronavirus Updates on July 28, 2020.

On Monday, India had lodged a complaint with the Pakistani High Commission against the purported move. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had conveyed this message.

"A strong protest was lodged with the Pakistan High Commission today on the reported incident whereby Gurdwara Shahidi Asthan, site of martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh ji at Naulakha Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan has been claimed as the place of Masjid Shahid Ganj and attempts are being made to convert it to a mosque," Srivastava told reporters in reply to questions. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)