Extends heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for presenting a historic Rs. 1240 billion development budget
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A spiritual and dignified central religious ceremony was held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, on the martyrdom day of the fifth Sikh Guru, Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji. A large number of Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and abroad, along with the local Sikh Sangat, attended the event.
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The ceremony was graced by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, as well as Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, members of PSGPC, and members of the Sikh community.
During the ceremony, religious rites including Kirtan, Ardas, and other spiritual practices were performed with great devotion and participation.
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji preached truth, religious harmony, peace, tolerance, and humanity. His martyrdom stands as a timeless symbol of sacrifice for religious freedom and truth. He emphasized that religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy full freedom, and the government is taking serious steps for the upkeep and restoration of their sacred sites. He announced that the Punjab government has allocated a budget for the restoration of 15 Gurdwaras.
Ramesh Singh Arora criticized the Indian government for not allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan, saying this decision has hurt the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide. He affirmed that Pakistan is like a second home for the Sikh community. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from Pakistan’s side, and the Pakistani government has imposed no restrictions on visas for Indian Sikh pilgrims. He expressed hope that Indian Sikhs would be able to visit Pakistan on the upcoming death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, stated that Pakistan had made comprehensive arrangements for Sikh pilgrims, including red carpet welcome, accommodation, medical facilities, and security. He reiterated that Pakistan has always kept its doors of goodwill open and the Kartarpur Corridor remains operational. He assured that the Government of Pakistan is always ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims, and the protection and promotion of their sacred sites will remain a top priority.
The ceremony concluded with a communal meal (Langar), in which all participants took part collectively.
Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora has extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for presenting a historic Rs. 1240 billion development budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
He stated that this budget not only serves as a roadmap for the comprehensive development of Punjab but also reflects the Chief Minister’s practical commitment and visionary leadership in uplifting minorities, women, laborers, farmers, youth, and other marginalized segments of society.
Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that the allocation of a separate Rs. 4 billion budget for religious minorities and 1 billion for Minority cards is a clear indication that the Chief Minister considers minorities as equal citizens of the state and prioritizes their welfare and inclusion. This amount will support scholarships, skill development, restoration of religious sites, and interfaith harmony initiatives.
He added that training programs will be launched for minority youth in civil services, police, and other fields on a merit basis. Furthermore, special grants and security arrangements will be ensured for all major religious festivals of minority communities across Punjab. The increased funding for Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Baisakhi, and other events is a welcome and progressive step.
Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted that the Interfaith Harmony Council is being reactivated to further promote religious coexistence, while a special package for the renovation and maintenance of minority places of worship is also part of this budget. Additionally, Minority Community Centers will be established to increase representation and access at the grassroots level.
He said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s budget is a true reflection of interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, and equal rights. He reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment that “no citizen shall be deprived on the basis of religion, color, or race.”
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