President Zardari, PM Shehbaz extend warm greetings to Sikh community, living in Pakistan & world over, on the occasion of Vaisakhi

ISLAMABAD/ NANKANA SAHIB, April 14 (SABAH): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have extended warm greetings to Sikh community, living in Pakistan and world over, on the occasion of Vaisakhi.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said Vaisakhi is a symbol of Pakistan’s beauty in its cultural and religious diversity.

He said Sikh community is playing a prominent role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. He said our constitution guarantees complete religious freedom, equal rights and protection for minorities.

The President said we are committed to upholding the principles of interfaith harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this festive occasion marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest – a time of great joy for farmers as they reap the fruits of their hard labour.

The Prime Minister said the day also serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of hope, unity, and renewal that inspires and unites our communities and form the strength and soul of our great nation.

He said we should move forward together with renewed energy and purpose, inspired by the spirit of Vaisakhi, to build a brighter, more inclusive and stronger tomorrow.

Meanwhile Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has extended heartiest greetings to the Sikh community on the occasion of Baisakhi festival.

In his special message, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that Baisakhi is a joyful and traditional festival of the Sikh community, and participating in each other’s happiness strengthens brotherhood and unity. “We all equally share the joy of the Sikh community on this festival,” he added. Interior Minister emphasized that Pakistan belongs to all of us, and we must collectively work to make it stronger and greater. He stated that Pakistan is home to sacred sites of the Sikh community. He emphasized that ensuring the provision of fundamental rights, the protection of life and property, and equal development opportunities for minorities is the responsibility of the state.

The Interior Minister further underscored that under the Constitution of Pakistan, all minorities living in the country have equal rights to reside and work here. He added that Followers of Sikhism and other religions enjoy complete freedom to live their lives according to their beliefs in Pakistan. Mohsin Naqvi also highlighted that special attention has been given to the maintenance, renovation, and security of Sikh gurdwaras, and that the Sikh community has been provided with every possible facility to perform their religious rituals.

Meanwhile, addressing the main ceremony of the Vaisakhi Festival at Nankana Sahib, Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Kheal Das Kohistani said Pakistan belongs to all the communities living here and every religion is respected here.

He said all minorities are free to worship and celebrate their festivals in Pakistan. He outrightly rejected the baseless propaganda by India that minorities are unsafe in Pakistan saying that in fact, minorities are being targeted in India.

The Minister of State warmly welcomed the Sikh Yatrees who came to Nankana Sahib from across the country and abroad including India to participate in the Vaisakhi celebrations.