By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A special symbolic reception ceremony was held at the Wahga Border on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, demonstrating solidarity with the Sikh community in Pakistan and a commitment to interfaith harmony.
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The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside the Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Additional Secretary Shrines and members of the PSGPC.
Addressing the ceremony, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that respect for religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country. Expressing regret, he said that India did not permit Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and has also suspended operations of the Kartarpur Corridor, which he described as a blatant violation of religious harmony and the sentiments of Sikh devotees. Sikh pilgrims return from Pakistan with a message of peace and spiritual fulfillment, yet India has hindered these rituals by denying them visas,” he stated.
He further added that Pakistan has always kept its doors open to the Sikh community, who are given immense respect and recognition in the country, calling Pakistan their second home. He reiterated that the upkeep and preservation of Sikh holy sites remain a top priority of the Government of Pakistan.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, he stated that
Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also criticized the Indian government, stating that the act of barring Sikh pilgrims and closing the Kartarpur Corridor is unacceptable and amounts to provocation. He also denounced the ongoing baseless propaganda campaign by the Indian media against Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan has always promoted peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The ceremony concluded with prayers and expressions of unity. Participants hoped that religious pilgrimages and cross-border spiritual visits would be restored above political differences, to further the cause of regional peace.
