RAWALPINDI, Feb 01 (APP): World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited the historic Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where he paid his respects and participated in a special prayer ceremony.
Federal Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora accompanied the World Bank President during the visit.
Ajay Banga also visited the Gurdwara’s Langar Khana and shared a meal with the Sikh community, reflecting the tradition of equality and communal harmony.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that the visit of the World Bank President to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib would convey a positive message to the international community. He reaffirmed that followers of all religions in Pakistan enjoy complete religious freedom.
He further stated that, in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, renovation and beautification work is underway at historical religious sites across the province. He added that the Punjab government is also taking practical steps to promote religious tourism.
Highlighting the significance of the site, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora noted that every year thousands of local and foreign Sikh pilgrims visit Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib to perform religious rituals, particularly on the occasion of Baisakhi.
Additional Secretary (Shrines), Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Government of Pakistan, Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Human Rights and Minority Affairs Punjab Haider Abbas Wattoo, Commissioner Rawalpindi, City Police Officer Rawalpindi, Deputy Commissioner Attock, and other senior officials were also present during the visit.