Lahore, August 31
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar participated in the International Sikh Convention at Governor House tonight.
Chief Minister while addressing the participants of Sikh convention welcomed them on behalf of people of Punjab. He, whole-heartedly, welcomed the participants of Sikh Convention arriving from America, Britain and Canada on the behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab government. He said that he is pleased to have an opportunity to talk and consult with the participants regarding the preparations of 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak and the inauguration of historic project of Kartarpur Corridor. He said that Punjab government has laid the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib which is being constructed on 10 acre land and will cost Rs6 billion.
He maintained that a substantial amount of Rs 15 crore has been provided for the construction of roads of Nankana Sahib. Construction of these roads will provide best travelling facility to the Sikh pilgrims. He said that the Sikh community has come very close to Pakistan today, which has no example in the previous past. Sikh community from all over the world is supporting Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir issue and have actively participated in the demonstrations held in US and UK in support of Kashmiri Muslims. The chief minister said that Pakistan is a peace loving country. We believe in peace and extend the message of friendship and peace towards the entire world including India. This message of peace and friendship is being appreciated in the whole world. He said that we on the behalf of participants of International Sikh Convention strongly condemn the violation of human rights and torture of Indian army in Occupied Kashmir. Our past gives a testimony to the fact that Pakistan has always provided facilities to the local Sikh community and the pilgrims from India for the easy access to their religious sites besides respecting their religious traditions and will always do the same in future.
He said that Sikh community and other minorities enjoy a complete religious freedom in Pakistan and protection to their religious sites is our obligation which is being performed wholeheartedly. He said that there is no precedence in the rest of world regarding the religious freedom and security being provided to the Sikhs as well as other minorities in Pakistan. Every single Pakistani looks after the interest of his minority brethren. He said 100 percent security and provision of other facilities to the Sikh pilgrims will be ensured, who came to Pakistan for attending 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. They will not have to face any problem in Pakistan. Government departments will be present to assist them round the clock. PTI government is fully active and vibrant in Punjab for the betterment, welfare and development of its minority brethren.
A substantial amount of Rs1 billion has been allocated for implementing the various programs of welfare of minorities. Minority empowerment package has been introduced. He said that we want to see all our minority brothers including Sikh economically prosperous and political empowered. The convention was also addressed by the Governor Punjab. Federal Ministers Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Shafqat Mehmood, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Fawad Chaudhry, Provincial Ministers Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Taimoor Bhatti, Pir Syed Saeed-ul-Hassan, Ijaz Alam and participants of international convention attended the ceremony.
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