TAXILA: Thousands of Sikhs and Hindus from different parts of the country participated in the three-day prayers ceremony, ‘Paath Sahib’, in which they recited from the holy book of the Sikh religion.

The ceremony was concluded on Friday with rituals of ‘Ardas’ in which prayers were offered by the Sikh and Hindus for prosperity and peace in Pakistan.

“We always pray for the prosperity of the country and this year we celebrated Paath Sahib on Defence Day by holding special pooja for the protection of our country,” said Sardar Gopal Singh, General Secretary Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee (SGPC).

Preetam Singh, another participant said the Hindus and Sikhs across the country had gathered at Punja Sahib to pay tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the motherland.

He said special prayers were held for their services to the nation. Partab Singh, another participant said the Punja Sahib was like Mecca for Sikhs living across the world and they loved this homeland where religious places were situated and they gathered here to offer prayers for three days for peace and stability of this sacred land.

Talking to the media, Imran Gondal, deputy secretary (shrines) of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), said the special prayers were arranged by local leaders of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

He said the EPTB had provided facilities including free boarding and lodging to the all minority members who came here to offer prayers. He termed it a laudable step of the Hindu and Sikh community living in Pakistan and their love and affection with the country which would create soft image of the country.

Published in Dawn September 17th, 2016