Category: Official News

Lahore, In a heartfelt message on the occasion of Besakhi, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif celebrated the cultural significance of the festival, renowned as a cornerstone of Punjabi tradition and joy, and extended warm greetings to both local residents and visiting Sikh pilgrims.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Chief Minister Sharif praised the festival as a time of happiness and a reflection of Punjab’s unique cultural identity. In her message, she acknowledged her deep-rooted pride in being Punjabi, emphasizing the unity and shared joy of the festival among all residents of Punjab. Sharif also offered prayers for the perpetual happiness of the Besakhi festival.

The Chief Minister announced that Punjab officially began celebrating the festival this year with special ceremonies organized for the Sikh community in significant locations such as Hasan Abdal, Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, and Lahore. These events underscore the government’s commitment to promoting religious and cultural tourism by providing the best possible environment and facilities for Sikh pilgrims visiting Punjab.

Rawalpindi, Lance Havaldar Mudassar Mehmood was laid to rest in his native area on April 13, 2024, following his death during an intelligence-based operation against terrorists in Bonir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The funeral drew a large gathering of military personnel, family, and locals, underlining the community’s respect and mourning for the fallen soldier.

According to Inter Services Public Relations, the ceremony was attended by numerous senior officers, fellow soldiers, and members of the community who came to pay their respects. The presence of such a significant number of attendees highlighted the impact of Mehmood’s sacrifice and the broader commitment of the Pakistan Army in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The military reaffirmed its resolve to continue these efforts until terrorism is entirely eradicated from the nation, emphasizing that the sacrifices of its martyrs bolster the national spirit and dedication to the motherland.

Islamabad, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah have extended their best wishes to the Sikh community in Pakistan and around the globe on the occasion of Baisakhi. This festival, celebrated on the first of Baisakh each year, is marked by vibrant festivities and is significant in Sikh culture.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the speakers highlighted the importance of Baisakhi as a time-honored festival that promotes sharing love, affection, and happiness. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized the diversity of beliefs and cultures in Pakistan, referring to the nation as a “beautiful bouquet.” He reiterated the constitutional freedoms guaranteed in Pakistan, allowing individuals from all religions to practice their beliefs and rituals freely.

Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah also emphasized the festival’s messages of peace, love, and unity. He called for the promotion of peace, harmony, brotherhood, and inter-faith understanding during the festival celebrations.

Baisakhi is not only a critical time for agricultural thanksgiving but also a period for fostering community spirit and togetherness across different faiths, particularly amongst the global Sikh diaspora.