Pakistan PM orders acquisition of land for university at birthplace of Sikh religion's founder

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday issued immediate instructions for the acquisition of land for Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib. In a meeting with delegation of Sikh pilgrims representing various Sikh organizations based in Pakistan, United States, United Kingdom, India, and Indian Held Kashmir, the Prime Minister said the government would protect the rights of minorities. The Prime Minister also directed for the issuance of notification for Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhat Committee and building a road strip in Narowal district heading toward Gurdwara Kartar Sahib on Pakistan-India border. Gilani said all efforts were being made by the government to make Sikh pilgrims feel at home during their visit to religious shrines in Pakistan. The welfare and protection of the rights of minorities is part of Pakistan People’s Party’s manifesto and the government is determined to implement it, he added. The Prime Minister told the delegation that Sikh pilgrims’ demands such like commencement of direct PIA flights between Birmingham and Lahore, and the issuance of double entry visa to pilgrims Yatrees by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad had already been implemented. He said the government was paying special attention to preserving religious and cultural heritage of Sikhs. The Prime Minister said special allocations are being made for the renovation and maintenance of their sacred places in Pakistan. He said his government is encouraging the visits of religious pilgrims and a number of steps had been taken to facilitate their visit and stay.