Minorities enjoy complete religious freedom

LAHORE - Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board, Syed Asif Hashmi has said that there was complete religious freedom to all the minorities living in Pakistan and their religious places were being safeguarded by Pakistan government. But despite all that Indian government was involved in making baseless propaganda against Pakistan government and levelling allegations on it. Addressing a ceremony at a local hotel held in honour of Sikh pilgrims who visited Pakistan from across the world to attend the birthday ceremonies of their spiritual leader Baba Guru Nanak, he said that he was busy providing best boarding and lodging facilities and security to the Sikh pilgrims on the direction of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani. He said that all religious places of Sikhs were safe in Pakistan and their religious rights were being looked after. The ceremony was attended by Sardar Sham Singh, Sardar Bushan Singh from UK, Sardar Sohan Singh, Gul Deep Singh, Additional Secretary Shrines Syed Zahid Bokhari, Faraz Abbas, Azhar Sulehri, Umar Sharif, Aamir Hashmi and a number of Sikh pilgrims. Hashmi said that amicable treatment given by Muslims to the Sikhs brethren would lead to brotherhood between both the nations. He was of the view that a large number of Sikhs wanted to visit Pakistan which would also promote tourism in Pakistan and it would also enhance opportunities of investment in the country. He said that 500 new residences were being constructed for the accommodation of Sikhs pilgrims near their religious places. He pointed out that there were human rights violations in India but Indian government, champion of human rights, was keeping mum over it. Speaking on the occasion, Guldeep Singh said that due to friendship of Sikhs and Muslims, people of both the neighbouring countries would be able to meet each other.

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