Delegation visited Pakistan army headquarter, meets Army Chief General Bajwa

By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan warmly welcomed the 12 members delegation of the British Sikh soldiers’ who arrived on the weekend in the South Asian country to visit their religious sites. 

On Tuesday, the delegation led by Major General Celia J Harvey Deputy Commander Field Army UK, also visited the Pakistan military headquarters, GHQ, and met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Pakistani Army Chief said that his country respects all religions and recognizes the need to promote religious tourism in the country. 

“Kartarpur corridor is the practical manifestation of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment towards religious freedom and harmony,” said General Bajwa.

Kartarpur, located some 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Pakistan's main city Lahore, the shrine known as Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara is one of the most revered places for the Sikh community as it hosted Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, for 18 years.

The British Sikh soldiers also visited Lahore where the dignitaries witnessed flag-lowering ceremony at Wagha border. 

The delegation also visited to historical Lahore Fort, Allama Iqbal Mausoleum and Badshahi Mosque. 

During their stay, the British Sikh soldiers also visited several religious sites in the country which included Darbar Hazrat Mian Mir, Haveli Naunihal Singh, Gurdwara Janamasthan Guru Ram Das, Samadi Ranjeet Singh, Gudwara Dera Sahib, Kartarpur Corridor, Nankana Sahib and Dera Panja Sahib. 

Meanwhile, the British Sikh soldiers also visited to Orakzai District, near the Afghan border, and witnessed Samana Fort, Lockhart Fort, and Saragarhi Monument. They laid wreaths at Saragarhi Monument.

This was the place where 21 Sikh soldiers laid their lives in 1897 as part of a British expedition and has much historical significance for Sikhs.  

The delegation lauded the efforts of Pakistan Armed Forces in bringing peace and normalcy in Tribal Districts.

Pakistan always welcomes Sikhs from across the world to visit their religious sites located in the South Asian country.