LAHORE:
A delegation of members of the Sikh community in the United States has paid tribute to the Punjab government for the implementation of 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 Prime Minister spoke with the delegation in Punjabi. Sikh leaders appreciated his public welfare initiatives and his 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 posters in it.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said meeting Sikh brothers from the United States was a great pleasure and termed her visit an honour.
He thanked the Sikh community across the world for constantly showing love and respect for Punjab and Pakistan.
He noted that the Sikh community has a deep emotional attachment to its holy places in Punjab and an unbreakable bond with Pakistan, and that Sikh brothers have always demonstrated goodwill in promoting coexistence and harmony.
He recalled his visit to Gurdwara Kartarpur on the occasion of Baisakhi to express his gratitude to the Sikh community.
The Prime Minister said that Gurdwara Kartarpur represents Pakistan’s undeniable message of peace to the world.
He stressed that protection of Sikh heritage in Punjab is being carried out as a solemn duty and announced that construction, renovation and restoration of 56 historic Gurdwaras will soon be completed. He added that repair and maintenance works of Gurdwaras across Punjab are progressing at a rapid pace to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that a program of 75,000 minority cards has been launched for the welfare and economic upliftment of minority communities and the number will be increased.
He underlined that Punjab’s path to development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all communities.
He said that the Punjab government is making all-out efforts to ensure security, transportation and other exemplary facilities for Sikh pilgrims, adding that hosting thousands of pilgrims from across the world for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered an honour. He noted that the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab reflects religious harmony, mutual respect and a shared heritage.
The Prime Minister said ensuring the safety, comfort and convenience of every Sikh visiting Punjab is both a responsibility and a privilege. He expressed the wish that every Sikh pilgrim who visits Pakistan returns with pleasant memories of Punjab.
