President, PM hail minorities’ contribution to national progress

Zardari, Shehbaz extend Baisakhi greetings to Sikh community

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their warm greetings to the Sikh community, residing in Pakistan and around the world, as they celebrated Baisakhi festival – the start of harvest season - on Sunday.

In their separate messages, they acknowledged the valuable contributions of the minority communities to the nation’s progress and development, and reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of all minorities.

On this year’s Baisakhi festival, at least 2,475 Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Pakistan from India through the Wagah border to also commemorate the Khalsa Janam Din and partake in the Baisakhi Mela slated on April 13.

Read Sikh pilgrims to arrive on 13th for mela

Extending congratulations to the Sikh community on the celebration of Baisakhi, President Zardari highlighted the significance of the occasion, and emphasised the values of love, happiness, peace, and affection. “Pakistan takes pride in its diverse cultural heritage,” he stated.

Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the Sikh community, pledging to take all necessary steps to facilitate their needs. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to upholding the rights of all minorities, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the nation’s progress.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz also affirmed the commitment of the federal government and all provincial administrations to ensuring the provision of necessary facilities to the Sikh Yatrees visiting their sacred sites within the country to observe their religious customs.

“On the occasion of Baisakhi, I extend to you all a message of love, affection, and peace. Let us all contribute to building a peaceful world,” he said. “Baisakhi is a vibrant occasion symbolising the arrival of spring and fostering the exchange of sentiments such as love, affection, and joy.”