Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Saalik Hussain says that all religions are worthy of respect and that Government is the guardian of minorities’ rights.
He was addressing at the main ceremony of Founder of Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ 555th birth anniversary celebrations in Nankana Sahib today.
He lauded services of Evacuee Trust Property Board for religious minorities. He said that hosting yateees is our national responsibility and we will continue to fulfill it.
Federal Minister highlighted that the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji for humanity are a source of pride. He said that the construction, renovation, and restoration of religious sites of minorities are being carried out. He informed that steps are being taken to restore Gurdwara Bhai Karam Singh, Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, and other gurdwaras.
He emphasized that Pakistan is a safe country for minorities and nation aspires for peace and brotherhood.
Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Syed Ata ur Rahman congratulated the Sikh community on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. He said that special arrangements have been made to facilitate yatrees under directives of Federal government. He said that 100 rooms have been constructed in Nankana Sahib, alongside other development works and medical and accommodation facilities are being provided to pilgrims. He said that arrangements have been made at Kartarpur to host 5,000 pilgrims, although the current number of visitors is relatively low.
Parshan Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said that politics should not interfere with sports. He said that Sikh history is incomplete without Pakistan and urged the global Sikh community, including those in India, to visit Kartarpur and other gurdwaras.
He appreciated the efforts made by the Government of Pakistan for the Sikh community, saying that their expectations had been exceeded. He expressed gratitude towards the chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board CTPB and his team for ensuring the preservation and renovation of Sikh religious sites.
Following the ceremony, a Nagar Kirtan procession was taken from Gurdwara Janam Asthan to Gurdwara Kiara Sahib according to Sikh religious traditions.
On this occasion, special gifts were distributed among participants, by the Federal Minister.
The Sikh pilgrims are scheduled to visit Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad tomorrow. Strict security measures were implemented around the gurdwara during the celebrations. A medical camp led by Dr. Tanveer was set up by the Evacuee Trust Property Board. An impressive fireworks display was held in the evening to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee leader Sardar Harjeet Singh Pappa extended thanks to the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board for safeguarding and renovating their religious sites.
Bhai Joga Singh encouraged Sikh community to visit Pakistan, as the freedom of religion they enjoy minorities here is unparalleled.
Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee leader Gurnam Singh Jassal thanked the Government of Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the respect and honor given to the Sikh community.
