US Sikh delegation applauds Punjab for landmark Sikh Marriage Act

CM announces renovation of 56 historic Gurdwaras in Punjab

LAHORE:

A delegation of Sikh community members from the United States has paid tribute to the Punjab government for the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act in the province.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met a seven-member delegation of 'Sikhs of America', led by its founding Chairman Chand Hoque. According to a statement, the chief minister conversed with the delegation in Punjabi. The Sikh leaders appreciated her public welfare initiatives and steps for the protection and rights of minority communities.

The delegation also commended the peaceful organisation of Christmas celebrations in Punjab and expressed satisfaction over the revival of the Punjabi language and the installation of signboards in it.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said meeting Sikh brothers from the US was a source of great pleasure and termed their visit an honour.

She thanked the Sikh community across the world for consistently showing love and respect for Punjab and Pakistan.

She noted that the Sikh community has a deep emotional attachment to its sacred sites in Punjab and an unbreakable bond with Pakistan, and that Sikh brothers have always demonstrated goodwill in promoting coexistence and harmony.

She recalled her visit to Gurdwara Kartarpur on the occasion of Baisakhi to express gratitude to the Sikh community.

The chief minister said that Gurdwara Kartarpur stands as Pakistan's undeniable message of peace to the world.

She emphasised that the protection of Sikh heritage in Punjab is being carried out as a solemn duty and announced that the construction, renovation, and restoration of 56 historic Gurdwaras would be completed soon. She added that repair and maintenance work on Gurdwaras across Punjab is progressing at a rapid pace to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that a program of 75,000 Minority Cards has been launched for the welfare and economic uplift of minority communities, and the number will be increased.

She underscored that Punjab's journey towards development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all communities.

She said the Punjab government is making every possible effort to ensure exemplary security, transportation, and other facilities for Sikh pilgrims, adding that welcoming thousands of pilgrims from across the world for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered an honour. She noted that the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab reflects religious harmony, mutual respect, and a shared heritage.

The chief minister said that ensuring the safety, comfort, and convenience of every Sikh visiting Punjab is both a responsibility and a privilege. She expressed the desire that every Sikh pilgrim visiting Pakistan returns with pleasant memories of Punjab.