Punjab Government to Distribute 50,000 Minority Cards Next Month

Lahore - The upcoming celebrations for Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th birth anniversary are set to be a significant event for the Sikh community in Pakistan. This year, the festivities promise to be historic, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various departments and the support of the Punjab government. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, has been actively involved in ensuring that everything is in place for this momentous occasion.

During a recent two-day tour, Arora visited several key locations, including Gujranwala and Peshawar, to assess the preparations for the celebrations. He participated in the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Birthday anniversary event and engaged with the Sikh community during a worship service at the Gurdwara in Peshawar. His commitment to the cause was evident as he meticulously reviewed the ongoing arrangements at the Panja Sahib Gurdwara in Hasan Abdal.

In a meeting with the Home Secretary of Punjab, Arora expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements being made by the district administration. He emphasized that this year’s celebrations would be historic due to the teamwork involved. The Chief Minister of Punjab has shown strong support by increasing the budget for the Minority Department by 200%. Additionally, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has allocated an extra 1.4 billion PKR to further enhance the arrangements.

Security and other essential arrangements for Sikh pilgrims are being prioritized, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all attendees. Arora announced that in December, 50,000 families will receive minority cards, with the Chief Minister of Punjab personally attending the distribution ceremony. This initiative aims to empower the minority community and provide them with the recognition they deserve.

While there have been 20,000 applications received from Delhi, India, only 3,000 Sikh pilgrims will be able to visit Pakistan this time. Despite the limited number, Arora remains optimistic that the visiting pilgrims will leave Pakistan with beautiful memories, as has been the tradition in previous years.

As the celebrations approach, it is clear that the efforts being made by the government and the community are paving the way for a successful event. The commitment to inclusivity and support for minority rights is a positive step towards fostering harmony and understanding among different communities in Pakistan. The upcoming celebrations not only honor the legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and respect for all cultures and religions.