WB President Banga visits ancestral town, Sikh heritage sites in Khushab

In a visit highlighting religious harmony, historical memory, and cultural heritage, World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga arrived in Khushab on Tuesday to visit his ancestral town and pay respects at Sikh religious heritage sites managed by the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

On his arrival, Banga was received by Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board Qamar Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, the commissioner, deputy commissioner, district officers, and other senior officials.

During the visit, he went to his ancestral home in the main bazaar of Khushab, where relevant revenue records of the property were presented to him. Banga appreciated the measures taken by the local administration regarding his ancestral property.

He also visited Gurdwara Singh Sabha Khushab, administered by the Evacuee Trust Property Board. He reviewed renovation work, management arrangements, and religious facilities at the gurdwara, describing the overall arrangements as commendable.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq briefed Banga on steps taken for the protection, maintenance, and restoration of Sikh religious heritage, while Chairman Qamar Zaman presented special souvenirs to him.

Appreciating religious freedom and the promotion of interfaith harmony in Pakistan, Banga said such initiatives strengthen trust and mutual respect among followers of different religions. He added that he would return with pleasant memories of Pakistan.

Chairman Qamar Zaman said the board follows international standards for the preservation of religious heritage, noting that providing religious facilities and hospitality to Sikh pilgrims remains a top priority.

The district administration and law enforcement agencies described the security arrangements for the visit as effective and exemplary. Officials said the visit further highlighted Pakistan’s positive image internationally.

World Bank President Banga arrived in Pakistan on February 1. During his visit, he also toured religious sites in Karachi and Hasan Abdal, where he observed ongoing initiatives promoting interfaith harmony. Following his expressed desire to visit his ancestral town, special arrangements were made for his visit to Khushab.