div>Grand Cultural Night Held in Lahore to Honor Sikh Pilgrims
The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Ramesh Singh Arora, along with key officials including Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.
The ceremony was filled with enthusiasm as Sikh pilgrims celebrated with traditional drum beats, chanting slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal” and “Pakistan Zindabad.” The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by performances from renowned artists Saleem Albela, Iftikhar Thakur, and Jawad Waseem.
Ramesh Singh Arora also joined the pilgrims in dancing to the beats of the dhol, adding to the lively spirit of the evening. Sikh pilgrims expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Ramesh Singh Arora for their warm hospitality.
In his address, Arora warmly welcomed Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other countries, saying “Ji Aayan Nu” on behalf of the Punjab government. He highlighted that strict and effective security arrangements were ensured for the pilgrims under the directives of the Chief Minister.
He added that the purpose of the cultural night was to introduce Sikh visitors to Punjab’s rich culture and traditions. Emphasizing religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, he stated that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating Sikh pilgrims in performing their religious rituals without restriction.
He further assured that Sikh pilgrims would always be welcomed in Pakistan, with continued ease in visa issuance. The event concluded with hopes that visitors would return home with pleasant memories, while showcasing Pakistan’s image as a peaceful and inclusive country.