Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur,
As the festivities of the 551st birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, came to an end on Monday, the government assured the Sikh community that their holy sites would be protected in Pakistan.
Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan, India and other parts of the world attended the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The main ceremony began with the morning hymns followed by Kathas and Kirtan in the praise of the Guru. Later a special community lunch was held followed by night prayer sessions at Gurdwara.
The stalls in Nankana Sahib showcased commemorative postal tickets released by Pakistan’s postal service and commemorative coins issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Every year, more than 2,000 Sikhs come to Pakistan to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev. However, the number has reduced this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pilgrims will return to India via the Wagah border crossing on December 1 at the end of their pilgrimage.
In a video message released on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured the Sikh community that their holy sites in Pakistan will be protected and all possible facilities will be made available for them.
“We have completely revamped Hassan Abdal Railway Station to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, who come to their sacred site at Panja Sahib,” he said, adding that all facilities have been provided at the railway station.
Imran said that Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur are the two most sacred sites for Sikhs. He said that these sites are as sacred to Sikhs as Makkah and Medina are sacred to the Muslims.
He made it clear that his government is committed to preserving and protecting the holy sites of all religions, including churches, temples and places relating to Buddhism as well as the Gandhara Civilisation.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that Pakistan is the safest country for all minorities, including Sikh community, to live in tranquility.
Addressing a ceremony held in connection with Baba Guru Nanak’s 551st birth anniversary in Nanka Sahib, Qadri said that followers of all religions are equal citizens of Pakistan.
He said that opening of Kartarpur Corridor is a gift from the government of Pakistan to the Sikh community. He added that all religions of the world have spread the message of love, peace, harmony, brotherhood and tolerance among the masses.
