US Consul General Lahore William Makaneole, who visited the Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal on Wednesday, said that the ancient shrine was an example of religious tolerance while lauding the facilities on offer.
The US diplomat was accompanied by a delegation that included the chief political officer.
Hassan Abdal Assistant Commissioner Dr Sana Ramchand Gulwani greeted the delegation and presented a bouquet to the US consul general.
The delegation was briefed on the historical and religious significance of the Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib. On the occasion, leaders of the Sikh community were also present. The Sikh community presented the saropa (robe of honour) to the members of the delegation on their arrival at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib.
The delegation appreciated the free food (langar) at the shrine.
Later, in a conversation with the media, the consul general said that he learned quite a bit about Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith and the first of the ten main gurus of Sikhism.
Makaneolo added that believers of different cultures and different sects live peacefully in Pakistan while hailing the Sikh shrine as a symbol of interfaith harmony.
On the same day, Makaneole also visited the Government Post Graduate College in Attock.
Attock Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza and Principal Government Post Graduate College Professor Majid Bhatti welcomed the guest.
Makaneole said that Pakistan has been and continues to be a valued partner of the US.
“Our governments have partnered on many issues and our people-to-people ties are strong. The United States has a broad, deep, and long-term partnership with the people of Punjab in the fields of education, economics, health, law, and beyond.”
The US Consul General visited various departments of the college. The Principal, Post Graduate College, Attock gave a briefing and highlighted the long history of the college.
Professor Bhatti said that the region is rich in terms of Potohar culture. Different nations have ruled in this region in different eras, Potohar is the name of the overall culture of different nations, he added.
Punjab Arts Council set up stalls of artisans from all over the province, displaying truck art, stone carving methods, doll making, and beadwork.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2023.
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