LAHORE:
A delegation of members of the Sikh community from the United States paid tribute to the Punjab government for implementing the Sikh Marriage Act in the province.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met a seven-member delegation of ‘Sikhs of America’, led by its founding president Chand Hoque. According to a statement, the chief minister spoke to the delegation in Punjabi. Sikh leaders appreciated his public welfare initiatives and measures for the protection and rights of minority communities.
The delegation also lauded the peaceful organization of Christmas celebrations in Punjab and expressed satisfaction over the revival of the Punjabi language and installation of signboards in the language.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said meeting Sikh brothers from the United States was a source of great pleasure and termed their visit as an honor.
She thanked the Sikh community across the world for constantly showing love and respect to Punjab and Pakistan.
She noted that the Sikh community has a deep emotional attachment to its sacred sites in Punjab and an indissoluble bond with Pakistan, and Sikh brothers have always demonstrated goodwill in promoting coexistence and harmony.
She recalled her visit to Gurdwara Kartarpur on the occasion of Baisakhi to express gratitude to the Sikh community.
The Chief Minister said that Gurdwara Kartarpur is Pakistan’s undeniable message of peace to the world.
She emphasized that protection of Sikh heritage in Punjab was a solemn duty and announced that construction, renovation and restoration of 56 historic Gurdwaras would be completed soon. She added that the repair and maintenance work of gurdwaras across Punjab is progressing at a rapid pace to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said a scheme of 75,000 minority cards has been launched for the welfare and economic development of minority communities, and this number will be increased.
She emphasized that Punjab’s path towards development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all communities.
She said the Punjab government was making all possible efforts to ensure exemplary security, transportation and other facilities for the Sikh pilgrims, adding that welcoming thousands of pilgrims from all over the world for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered an honor. She noted that the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab reflects religious harmony, mutual respect and a shared heritage.
The Chief Minister said ensuring the safety, comfort and convenience of every Sikh visiting Punjab is both a responsibility and a privilege. She expressed the wish that every Sikh pilgrim visiting Pakistan would return with pleasant memories of Punjab.
