Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has reiterated that minorities and women are his constituency and his government is committed to protecting their rights. Talking to a select group of Sikh leaders visiting Pakistan to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, at State Guest House here Saturday, Gilani said welfare of minorities is not only a religious obligation, but also a political commitment.
He said the government believes in promoting interfaith harmony, and relations between Sikhs and Muslim communities in Pakistan are a good example of it. He assured the Sikh leaders of considering their suggestions on various matters. In this regard, the PM especially mentioned policy of issuing maximum visas on religious occasions of followers of different faiths, particularly Sikhs and Buddhists. Pilgrims help develop people-to-people contact and better understanding among communities, he observed.
The delegation appreciated government efforts to improve travel facilities as well as conditions of Gurdwaras and shrines in Pakistan. They also mentioned that Langer Khana at Punja Sahib has become one of the best in the subcontinent after its renovation by Pakistan government. They also lauded efforts of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Chairman Asif Hashmi in resolving the issues of the community.
The Sikh delegates mentioned that they have great regard for the Prime Minister as they were given a special opportunity to meet him whenever they visited Pakistan. They further said they attached special importance to the meeting as forefathers of the Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple. They also appreciated that most of the conversation during the meeting was in their language. Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti and ETPB Chairman, Asif Hashmi were also present on the occasion.