Sikh pilgrims call for peace, free trade regime in the region

Published April 14, 2019
A newlywed Sikh couple attends the Vasakhi festival, at the shrine of Gurdwara Punja Sahib, the second most sacred place for Sikhs, in Hasan Abdal, some 50 kilometres from Islamabad, Sunday, April 14. — AP
A newlywed Sikh couple attends the Vasakhi festival, at the shrine of Gurdwara Punja Sahib, the second most sacred place for Sikhs, in Hasan Abdal, some 50 kilometres from Islamabad, Sunday, April 14. — AP

Sikh pilgrims from across the world visiting Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi Festival 2019 and Khalsa Anniversary have called on the regional stakeholders to give peace a chance and join hands for a free trade regime.

Talking to APP, Jarnail Singh from Canada said Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Iran should introduce free trade among their nations which would help overcome poverty, violence, and extremism.

"The confrontation, violence, and hatred should come to an end and we should let peace prevail for our future generations," he added.

Baisakhi is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season. It is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

As part of the observance of religious rituals, pilgrims bathed and worshipped at a pond at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in the town of Hasanabdal, outside Islamabad.

A Sikh pilgrim leaves after taking a holy bath during the Vasakhi festival, at the shrine of Gurdwara Punja Sahib. — AP
A Sikh pilgrim leaves after taking a holy bath during the Vasakhi festival, at the shrine of Gurdwara Punja Sahib. — AP

Singh said the arrangements made by the Pakistani government for accommodation, food, and transport for Sikh pilgrims were up to the mark.

"It was heartening to see a warm welcome by the local people, and to embrace them and take selfies with them," he added.

Ravinder Kaur, the wife of Jarnail Singh, said they were thankful to the Pakistani government for facilitating them. They performed their religious rituals without any fear, she said.

Sukhdev Singh, a pilgrim from Hoshiarpur, said the arrangements made by the authorities for the Sikh devotees to perform their religious obligations were appreciable. Such facilities were not available to them in India, he said.

"We feel at home as the people of Pakistan are hospitable. We feel that all of us are celebrating Baisakhi and Khalsa Janam Din in our own town," he remarked.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...