NANKANA SAHIB: The central ceremony marking the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and spiritual leader of the Sikh faith, was held in a grand and dignified manner at Gurdwara Janamasthan here on Wednesday.
Among the prominent participants were Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kheeal Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Climate Change Dr Shezra Mansab Ali, Chairman Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas, and Indian Sikh leaders Sardar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Sardar Ravinder Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf warmly welcomed the Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, saying that “Baba Guru Nanak preached peace, love, and equality.” He conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s special greetings to the Sikh community and reaffirmed that Pakistan is fully committed to safeguarding the sacred sites and assets of the Sikhs. He added that “Islam teaches respect for all religions, and Pakistan ensures complete religious freedom for all minorities.” The minister further stated that scholarships for minority students have been increased, a 5pc job quota has been reserved, and special seats in the assemblies have been allocated for minority communities.
Indian Jathedar Sardar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said that “Baba Guru Nanak’s message of eliminating caste discrimination, spreading knowledge and promoting humanity continues to inspire the world.” He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for making excellent arrangements for the Sikh pilgrims, adding that “We have received immense love and respect in Pakistan.”
PSGPC Chairman Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that “Pakistan is the land of peace and love where followers of the Sikh faith enjoy exemplary respect.” He noted that despite flooding at the Kartarpur Gurdwara, the administration restored the site within hours - a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kheeal Das Kohistani extended congratulations from the Hindu community to the Sikh community on Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. He said that, following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, excellent facilities were provided to visiting pilgrims and that the flood-affected Kartarpur Gurdwara was restored within a single day.