Artificial forest to be named after Guru Nanak, announces governor

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has announced mass marriages of 15 deserving Sikh couples. He also announced that an artificial forest near the Head Baloki would be named after Baba Guru Nanak.

Speaking to the media persons on the occasion of birthday celebrations of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh on Tuesday, Sarwar said 2% quota for employment of minorities in higher education would be implemented. He termed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a killer of minorities living in Indian and Kashmir. The UN should declare India and Narendra Modi as terrorists.

Commenting on the opposition rallies, he underlined that Prime Minister Imran Khan will not resign and he would complete his constitutional term as the premier.

“There are as many narratives as there are parties in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). I am certain that the general elections in Pakistan will be held on time,” he maintained.

Answering a question, Sarwar said since the formation of the opposition alliance, PDM, none of their promises and claims have been fulfilled, so there is no doubt that the PDM is clueless about its strategy.

Earlier addressing the Sikh guru’s birthday event, Sarwar said minorities in Pakistan enjoy religious freedom. “We are giving all rights to the minorities of Pakistan, in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal, while the silence of international bodies, including the United Nations, on the predicament of minorities in India is shameful,” he said.

“The time has come to declare India a terrorist state as well as to ensure the protection of lives and property of Kashmiris and Indian minorities and to give freedom to Kashmiris,” he underlined.

Minority MNA Shaneela Ruth and MPA Mahindra Pal Singh said the government was trying to ensure the provision of all basic facilities to the minorities but is also standing by deserving families during the coronavirus pandemic. He also distributed ration among 500 deserving minority families.

PTI MNA Shehnila Ruth, minority MPA from PTI, Sardar Mahindra Pal Singh, Political Secretary to Governor Punjab Mian Kashif Iqbal were amongst other attendees from the Sikh community.

Later, during a shield distribution ceremony among Sundas Foundation volunteers, who served on the frontline during coronavirus, Punjab governor said that those who serve humanity live forever in history.

The role played by the business community and philanthropists during the coronavirus is commendable.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2021.