By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The 9th meeting of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) was held under the chairmanship of Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President PSGPC, at the headquarters of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). The committee strongly condemned the Indian government’s repeated denial of permission for Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for their religious observances and passed a unanimous resolution against this action.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that this move is a blatant violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights, deeply hurting the sentiments of Sikhs across the globe. He emphasized that Pakistan has always welcomed Sikh pilgrims at sacred sites such as Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, and Panja Sahib, while the Indian government continues to deprive its own citizens of this basic right.
Speaking to the media, Arora congratulated the entire Pakistani nation on the recent defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He remarked that just as Makkah and Madinah are revered by Muslims, the sacred Sikh sites in Pakistan hold equal spiritual importance for the global Sikh community. He recalled that India launched attacks on Pakistan on May 6 and 7, including a drone strike in Nankana Sahib, while on May 7 the Kartarpur corridor was also closed. On June 9, once again, Sikh pilgrims were prevented from traveling to Pakistan. Now, on the occasion of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, the Indian government has again barred Sikh citizens from participating, thus curtailing their religious freedom. He further said that during the recent floods when water entered Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, immediate action was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while the Pakistan Army and field Marshal/ Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also expressed full solidarity with the Sikh community. He added that Pakistan’s land is sacred for Sikhs, and visiting Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur is a lifelong dream for every Sikh. To facilitate global pilgrims, especially from the UK, Canada, and the USA, Pakistan has provided online visa facilities, making access easier. In contrast, India continues to deny this fundamental right to its own citizens.
Chairman of ETPB, Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chohan on this occasion stated that Pakistan has always believed in promoting interfaith harmony and tolerance, while India’s conduct violates international commitments and humanitarian principles. The Government of Pakistan has consistently prioritized the preservation and maintenance of gurdwaras and other sacred sites. Despite the recent floods, Kartarpur and other gurdwaras were restored within 24 hours for the pilgrims.
Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, said that PSGPC and ETPB are continuously working to enhance facilities for Sikh pilgrims, who are granted complete religious freedom in Pakistan. The members present unanimously condemned India’s inhumane decision and urged the international community and the United Nations to take immediate action to stop India from violating religious freedoms. Among those present were PSGPC General Secretary Stwant Kaur, Vice President Sardar Mahesh Singh, Dr. Sardar Mampal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Gyan Singh, Sardar Stwant Singh, Sardar Hamit Singh, Sardar Sahib Singh, and Sardar Bhagat Singh.
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