By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, remained in the spotlight on Tuesday as he hosted a grand dinner reception for Sikh pilgrims from the United Kingdom and later attended the 76th National Day celebrations of the People’s Republic of China in Lahore.
The dinner reception, organized in honour of 75 Sikh pilgrims from the UK and members of the PSGPC, was attended by diplomats from several countries including the Honorary Consul Generals of Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Portugal, as well as Reverend Dr. Majeed Abel, political and social personalities, civil society members, and interfaith representatives.
In his remarks, Minister Arora said the land of Pakistan is sacred for the Sikh community, adding that hosting and serving the pilgrims is a national and moral duty. He stressed that Pakistan has always promoted religious harmony and would continue to strengthen bonds of brotherhood with all faiths. Expressing regret over the Indian government’s restrictions on Sikh pilgrims, he termed the move “deeply painful,” noting that the people of Pakistan eagerly welcome their Sikh brethren with love and respect.
Later in the evening, Minister Arora joined diplomats, dignitaries, and business leaders at the 76th National Day celebrations of the People’s Republic of China, hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Lahore. Welcoming guests, Consul General Zhao Shiren and Madam Weng Xiandong underscored the historic friendship between Pakistan and China, founded on mutual trust and strategic cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Arora congratulated the Chinese government and people, describing the Pakistan-China friendship as “a bond deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas.” He emphasized that the ties between the two nations go beyond diplomacy, calling them “a relationship of hearts.” He also praised China’s vital role in Pakistan’s development, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Chinese National Day event featured cultural performances and highlighted growing cooperation in infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, Sikh pilgrims expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and its people for their generous hospitality.
