Cultural night held in honour of Sikh pilgrims at Hazuri Bagh

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) A colourful cultural night and dinner were hosted at Hazuri Bagh in honour of Sikh pilgrims on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to interfaith harmony.

Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Provincial Minister for Finance Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Provincial Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Uzma Kardar, Commissioner Lahore Marryam Khan and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Capt (R) Ali Ejaz were also present.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, with Sikh pilgrims enthusiastically participating and dancing to traditional dhol beats, while slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal” and “Pakistan Zindabad” echoed across the venue. Renowned artists Saleem Albela, Iftikhar Thakur and Jawad Wasim added to the festive atmosphere with their performances.

The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora for the warm hospitality extended to them during their stay.

Addressing the ceremony, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, on behalf of the chief minister, warmly welcomed Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other countries, saying “Ji Aayan Nu.” He said comprehensive security arrangements had been ensured on the directives of the chief minister, while the cultural evening was aimed at introducing Punjab’s heritage and traditions to Sikh brethren.

He said the Punjab government was committed to promoting religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, adding that Sikh pilgrims were being provided complete freedom to perform their religious rituals. “Pakistan cannot even think of restricting Sikh pilgrims from practicing their faith, and no force in the world can stop them from their religious practices,” he added.

The minister said the arrival of Sikh pilgrims was a matter of joy and their departure would be deeply felt. He reiterated that Pakistan was providing full religious freedom and international-standard facilities to pilgrims, and its doors would always remain open for them.

Highlighting government initiatives, he said protection of minority rights was being ensured on priority, while restoration and renovation of Sikh religious sites were being carried out. He added that practical steps were being taken to promote interfaith harmony and project Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image globally.

He said Sikh pilgrims were also taken on tours of Lahore to introduce them to the city’s cultural and historical heritage, while all possible facilities were provided to ensure a comfortable stay. He said Sikh pilgrims would always be welcomed in Pakistan and facilitation in visa issuance would continue, expressing hope that they would return with pleasant memories of their visit.