LAHORE:
A delegation of Sikh community members from the United States has hailed 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 chairman Chand Hoque. According to a statement, the chief minister spoke to the delegation in Punjabi. The Sikh leaders appreciated her public welfare initiatives and steps for 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 Punjabi language and the installation of signs on it.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said meeting Sikh brothers from the US was a source of great pleasure and termed their visit an honour.
She thanked the Sikh community worldwide for consistently showing love and respect for Punjab and Pakistan.
She 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 shown good will to promote 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 stands as Pakistan’s undeniable message of peace to the world.
She emphasized that the protection of Sikh heritage in Punjab is being done as a solemn duty and announced that the construction, renovation and restoration of 56 historical Gurdwaras would be completed soon. She added that repair and maintenance work at Gurdwaras across Punjab is progressing at a fast pace to ensure that pilgrims do not experience 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.
She emphasized that Punjab’s journey towards development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all communities.
She said the Punjab government is making every effort to ensure exemplary security, transport and other facilities for Sikh pilgrims, adding that it is considered an honor to welcome thousands of pilgrims from all over the world for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. She noted that the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab reflects religious harmony, mutual respect and a common heritage.
The Chief Minister said that it is both a responsibility and a privilege to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of every Sikh visiting Punjab. She expressed the wish that every Sikh pilgrim visiting Pakistan returns with pleasant memories of Punjab.
