By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Punjab Department of Human Rights organized a grand Baisakhi and farewell ceremony in honor of Sikh pilgrims at the historic Hazuri Bagh in Lahore.
Read also: Khalsa Birth Anniversary and Baisakhi celebrations conclude
The colorful event was attended not only by a large number of Sikh pilgrims but also by distinguished national and international guests.
The event was presided over by Punjab’s Senior Minister Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, while Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora hosted the ceremony. Among the prominent guests were the Ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Canada, the Senior Political Officer from the United States, and renowned comedian Iftikhar Thakur. Secretary Human Rights, Additional Secretary, and Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher were also present at the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warmly congratulated the Sikh pilgrims on the 326th Baisakhi and the birth anniversary of Khalsa. She conveyed greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz.
Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing the followers of the Sikh faith closer to Pakistan. She stated that the issuance of visas to 6,700 Sikh pilgrims reflects this very spirit. She termed it a significant step towards building lasting bonds.
She further shared that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz initiated the tradition of officially celebrating Baisakhi last year and incorporated gurdwaras into the promotion of religious tourism. She added that the Chief Minister aims to develop the Kartarpur area into a complete tourism corridor, with provisions for SIM card issuance and other facilities for the pilgrims.
Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that restoration work on 45 gurdwaras across Punjab will begin soon to ensure better facilities for Sikh pilgrims. She expressed the wish that the Sikh community visits Pakistan twelve times a year and that they are warmly welcomed each time.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said that the Sikh pilgrims returning from Pakistan will now be recognized as ambassadors of peace. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the immense respect shown towards the Sikh community. Arora described the bond between Sikhs and Pakistan as being like “flesh and nail” and revealed that tourism in the province has increased by 72% due to the Chief Minister’s efforts. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister has referred to minorities as the crown of her head.
The ceremony concluded with vibrant bhangra performances to the beat of traditional drums, and unique skits highlighting the importance of Baisakhi were also presented. The audience responded with enthusiastic appreciation. Marriyum Aurangzeb commended the administration for organizing such a beautiful event.
This celebration not only served as a remarkable example of interfaith harmony but also as a great opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s peaceful and positive image to the world.
