Summary:
World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited Gurdwara Siri Punja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where he paid his respects at one of Sikhism’s most revered religious sites, participated in a special prayer ceremony, and shared Langar (the community meal) with members of the Sikh community.
Context
World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited Gurdwara Siri Punja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Attock, where he paid respects, joined a special prayer ceremony, and shared a Langar (community meal) with the Sikh community, accompanied by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora; senior civil and police officials ensured foolproof security, while the Punjab government highlighted ongoing renovation of historical religious sites and the annual influx of thousands of local and foreign Sikh pilgrims, especially during Baisakhi, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom and tourism promotion.
Punch-lines
📌 Ajay Pal Singh Banga, President of the World Bank, visited Gurdwara Siri Punja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, reflecting international recognition of Pakistan’s commitment to religious inclusivity and interfaith harmony.
📌 The presence of Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora demonstrated state-level ownership of minority protection and inclusive governance policies.
📌 Comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements by the district administration and police highlighted Pakistan’s institutional capacity to host high-profile international dignitaries safely.
📌 Participation in the Langar (community kitchen) alongside the Sikh community underscored values of equality, social cohesion, and communal harmony embedded in Pakistan’s religious landscape.
📌 Ongoing renovation and beautification of historical religious sites in Punjab reaffirmed the government’s strategy to promote religious tourism and attract thousands of local and foreign pilgrims annually.
