LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with a seven-member delegation of “Sikhs of America,” led by its Founding Chairman, Chand Hoque announced that the construction, renovation and restoration of 56 historic Gurdwaras would be completed so on. During the meeting, the Sikh leaders appreciated the CM public welfare initiatives and also lauded the Punjab government’s significant steps for the protection and rights of minority communities. They paid glowing tribute to the Punjab government for the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act in the province. The delegation also commended the peaceful organization of Christmas celebrations in Punjab and expressed satisfaction over the revival of the Punjabi language and the installation of Punjabi signboards. The Chief Minister said that meeting Sikh brothers from the United States 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 CM said that Gurdwara Kartarpur stands as Pakistan’s undeniable message of peace to the world. She emphasized that the protection of Sikh heritage in Punjab is being carried out as a solemn duty and 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. Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that a programme of 75,000 Minority Cards has been launched for the welfare and economic uplift of minority communities, and that the number will be increased further. She underscored that Punjab’s journey towards development would remain incomplete without a sense of security among all communities. She said that 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. 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. She reiterated that Pakistan is the only country in the world to have implemented the Sikh Marriage Act, aimed at respecting the religious identity and faith traditions of Sikh brothers. She added that historic and meaningful steps are being taken to promote religious tourism in Punjab and welcomed investment by Sikh brothers in religious tourism and the hospitality sector. She said that Pakistan seeks to project itself globally as a centre of peace and interfaith harmony. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that, like Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, respect for and support of the Sikh community remain among the government’s top priorities, adding that every citizen of Punjab holds the global Sikh community close to his heart. She concluded by saying that the land of Punjab continues to emanate respect and love. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025