LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met a seven-member delegation of ‘Sikhs of America’, led by its founding chairman Chand Hoque, here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the CM conversed with the delegation in Punjabi. The Sikh leaders appreciated her public welfare initiatives and lauded her government’s significant steps for protection and rights of minority communities. They paid glowing tribute to the Punjab government for implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act in the province.
The delegation also commended peaceful organisation of Christmas celebrations in Punjab and expressed satisfaction over the revival of Punjabi language and installation of Punjabi signboards.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that meeting Sikh brothers from the US was a source of great pleasure and termed their visit an honour. She thanked the Sikh community across the world for consistently showing love and respect for Punjab and Pakistan.
She noted that the Sikh community has a deep emotional attachment to its sacred sites in Punjab and an unbreakable bond with Pakistan, and that 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 CM said that Gurdwara Kartarpur stands as Pakistan’s undeniable message of peace to the world. She 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 would be completed soon.
She added that repair and maintenance work on Gurdwaras across Punjab is progressing at a rapid pace to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.
CM Maryam stated that an initiative of 75,000 minority cards has been launched for the welfare and economic uplift of minority communities, and the number will be increased further. She underscored that Punjab’s journey towards development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all the communities.
She said the Punjab government is making every possible effort to ensure exemplary security, transportation and other facilities for Sikh pilgrims, adding that welcoming thousands of pilgrims from across the world for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered an honour. She noted that the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab reflects religious harmony, mutual respect and a shared heritage.
The CM said that ensuring safety, comfort and convenience of every Sikh visiting Punjab is both a responsibility and a privilege. She expressed the desire that every Sikh pilgrim visiting Pakistan returns with pleasant memories of Punjab. She reiterated that Pakistan is the only country in the world to have implemented the Sikh Marriage Act, aimed at respecting the religious identity and faith traditions of Sikh brothers.
She added that historic and meaningful steps are being taken to promote religious tourism in Punjab and welcomed investment by Sikh brothers in religious tourism and the hospitality sector. She said that Pakistan seeks to project itself globally as a centre of peace and interfaith harmony. The CM reaffirmed that like PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif, respect for and support of the Sikh community remain among the government’s top priorities, adding that every citizen of Punjab holds the global Sikh community close to his heart. She concluded by saying that the land of Punjab continues to emanate respect and love.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in a traffic accident on the Sargodha-Khushab Road. In a statement, she conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and directed the authorities concerned to ensure prompt and best possible medical treatment for the injured passengers.
