Malaysia Visit Aims to Promote Pakistan's Image of Religious Tolerance: Ramesh Singh Arora

Lahore, August 3 , On the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to promote interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and faith tourism, Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora visited Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya in Malaysia, where he received a warm welcome from the local Sikh community.

The minister was welcomed by the Gurdwara management, former President Avtar Singh Terry, President Dalbir Singh, General Secretary Manisha Kaur and other community leaders. The Pakistani delegation also included Community Welfare Attaché at the High Commission of Pakistan in Malaysia Hamza Naveed, Sardar Jaskaran Singh, Sardar Pulvinder Singh and Hafiz Muzammil.

During the interaction, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, strengthening religious ties, promoting faith tourism and enhancing people-to-people relations between Pakistan and the Sikh diaspora in Malaysia.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora conveyed a special message from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and invited the Sikh community to visit Pakistan in November to participate in Gurpurab celebrations and pay obeisance at the country's sacred Gurdwaras.

The minister said the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Punjab, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Evacuee Trust Property Board are committed to providing world-class facilities, comprehensive security and a peaceful environment for Sikh pilgrims from across the globe.

He said the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is undertaking practical measures for the restoration, preservation and development of historic Gurdwaras while facilitating pilgrims. He added that the Chief Minister's vision for safeguarding minority rights, protecting religious freedom and preserving sacred sites reflects Pakistan's commitment to inclusive governance.

The minister further stated that the purpose of the Malaysia visit is to promote interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and project Pakistan's positive and peaceful image internationally. He reaffirmed that the Punjab Government remains committed to strengthening ties with the global Sikh community and promoting religious tourism.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Sikh Sangat of Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya honoured Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and the Pakistani delegation by presenting them with traditional Siropas.