A delegation of Sikh community led by Provincial Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Minister Ejaz Aalam called on Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar here on Sunday. The delegation comprised of MPA Mahindar Pall Singh, Pram Jeet Singh Sarna, Harmindear Singh Sarna and Roupa Kour. The delegation thanked the chief minister for amicably settling the matter of marriage of a Sikh girl in Nankana Sahib. "We appreciate your personal effort to settle the issue," they said.
Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the PTI-led government is acting to protect the rights of the Sikh community and other minorities. He said the Sikh community enjoys total freedom and liberty to perform their religious ceremonies, he added.
"The Sikh community, from around the world, is supporting the stance of Pakistan on the core issue of Kashmir and they also take part in the public processions being organized in the support of Kashmiris in different countries of the world," Buzdar said.
Recently, he added, the Punjab government laid the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib which will be completed with an approximate cost of Rs6 billion. To provide best traveling facilities to the Sikh pilgrims, Rs150 million has been released for the repair and maintenance of roads in Nankana Sahib, he added
He reiterated that the government will continue to provide different facilities to Pakistani and Indian Sikh community so that they could perform their religious activities with respect. The CM also assured to provide all possible facilities and security to the Sikh pilgrims coming from India to attend the 550th birthday anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
"Under the minority empowerment package, Rs1 billion has been allocated for the welfare of minorities. The new Pakistan is following the principles of tolerance, brotherhood, and harmony. The Pakistani government has taken serious steps and opened the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate the Sikh community," he concluded.