WORLD BANK PRESIDENT TOURS ANCESTRAL HOME IN KHUUSHAB, PRAISES RELIGIOUS HARMONY EFFORTS

KHUUSHAB, PUNJAB – Nazrana Times 

World Bank Group President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited his ancestral city of Khuushab on Monday, touring family heritage sites and praising Pakistan's efforts to promote interfaith harmony and preserve religious heritage.
Banga was received at the local facility by a high-level delegation led by Mr. Qamar Zaman, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and Additional Secretary Mr. Sharfainz Naseer Mushtaq. Senior district officials, including the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, were also present.
The visit focused on the preservation of Sikh religious heritage under the ETPB's management. Banga paid his respects at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Khuushab, where he commended the restoration work and administrative arrangements. He was also shown historical revenue records pertaining to his ancestors' home in the city’s Main Bazaar.
In a briefing by Additional Secretary Mushtaq, Banga was apprised of the ETPB's ongoing initiatives for the protection of Sikh heritage sites across Pakistan.
Chairman Qamar Zaman presented the World Bank President with traditional gifts and stated, "The Evacuee Trust Property Board adheres to international standards in the preservation of religious heritage." He highlighted the board's role in facilitating Sikh pilgrims and providing religious services, adding that the visit "has further highlighted Pakistan's positive image on the international stage."
Banga acknowledged the efforts, noting the "commendable promotion of religious freedom and interfaith harmony in Pakistan." He also appreciated the effective security arrangements made by the district administration and law enforcement agencies for his visit.
The tour is seen as a significant diplomatic and cultural gesture, reinforcing Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding minority religious sites and fostering inter-community dialogue.
 

Reported by: Ali Imran Chattha for Nazrana Times
Dateline: Khuushab, Punjab