ATTOCK - The future diplomats belonging to 21 different countries have lauded efforts of the Pakistani government for better upkeep and preservation of places of religious importance of different religions in Pakistan.
These 23 diplomats of 21 different countries including two each from Nepal, Nigeria, one from Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Cameron, Ethiopia, Fiji, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Gulenea, Gulenea Bissau, Maldives, Mauritius, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan presently participating in 25th Junior diplomatic course for foreign diplomats at Foreign Services academy visited Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal on Monday. Pakistan being custodian of different religions like Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism, is making all-out efforts for upkeep and preservation of the buildings of religious importance of various religions and ensure their religious freedom despite challenges at financial and social sectors.
On the occasion, Chairman Evacuee trust property board (ETPB) Siddque Ul Farooq briefed the junior diplomats about the history and importance of Gurdwara Panja Sahib for Sikh community. He said that minorities in Pakistan have complete freedom to practice their religion and their holy days are observed under state patronage.
He also informed them about various development projects launched for upkeep and provision of different facilities, especially welfare, boarding and lodging at various religious places of the minorities across the country.
On the occasion, a documentary was also screened for the visiting future diplomats which showed the various projects chalked during last three years by the government for preservation and development of various religious places of the minorities living in Pakistan.
The ETPB chairman said more residential rooms in Gurdwaras will be built. "We have established an online charity system and now anyone who wants to donate money for construction of new residential buildings can do so and the process is transparent," he said.
He informed the junior diplomats that Pakistan ensure complete freedom of the minorities which is proof of the fact that Pakistan would become the first country in the world to present the bill in the assembly. "No other country even India in the world has ever passed separate marriage act for the followers of the Sikh religion". He claimed. "After the passage of the act, the Sikh community will be able to enjoy rights at par with the Muslim community in Pakistan," he asserted.
