LAHORE: World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal. On this occasion, Federal Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister and Pradhan of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, accompanied him.
Upon arrival at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, the Additional Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq, along with the Administrator Rawalpindi, warmly welcomed the distinguished delegation.
The chief guest offered special prayers at the Gurdwara and later had a meal at the Langar Hall.Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that the visit of the World Bank President to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib would send a positive message across the world.
He stated that followers of all religions in Pakistan enjoy complete religious freedom, and the protection of sacred places of minorities is a top priority of the government.Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board makes excellent arrangements for Sikh pilgrims visiting from around the world to ensure they face no difficulties. He added that Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from India and other countries return with a message of love, peace, and tolerance.
Nasir Mushtaq further stated that, in accordance with the directives of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Qamar Zaman, renovation and restoration work is ongoing at historic religious sites.
He added that the Evacuee Trust Property Board is spending substantial funds on the renovation, restoration, and management of Gurdwaras across Pakistan.
He concluded by saying that Pakistan is honoured to be the birthplace of the Sikh faith, and it is our desire that Sikh pilgrims from around the world visit Pakistan in greater numbers and witness how their sacred places of worship are being preserved and beautified.
