ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with a visiting delegation of US Congressmen, on Monday visited the Kartarpur Corridor in the Punjab province to join the Sikh community in celebrating the Baisakhi festival.
Upon arrival, the US delegation was warmly welcomed by prominent members of the Sikh community, who presented them with flowers.
The high-level delegation included US Congressman Thomas Richard Suozzi, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker, and US Consul General Kristen K. Hawkins.
During the visit, they extended congratulations to the Sikh community on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. The delegation toured the revered Gurdwara Sahib, where they observed historical relics associated with Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Officials at the Gurdwara briefed the delegation about the history and significance of the Kartarpur Corridor. The delegation also participated in a prayer ceremony at the Gurdwara and visited the historic well, a site of immense religious importance for Sikh pilgrims.
Mohsin Naqvi and the visiting US Congressmen were honoured with the traditional Siropa (robe of honour) and presented with a Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
The delegation also engaged with Sikh pilgrims who had travelled from India to take part in the Baisakhi celebrations. The Sikh community took photographs with the US Congressmen.
Emphasising the spirit of harmony and brotherhood, the visitors toured the Langar Hall, where they joined members of the Sikh community in sharing a traditional meal.
The US delegation appreciated the facilities provided at the Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib.
“It brought us immense joy to participate in the Sikh community’s festival,” said Congressman Thomas Richard Suozzi.
“Pakistan has made excellent arrangements for Sikh pilgrims at the Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib,” said Jonathan Jackson.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the US delegation also visited the Zero Point at the international border between Pakistan and India.
The minister speaking on the occasion emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and providing maximum facilities to religious pilgrims.
“Providing the best possible facilities for Sikh pilgrims is our government’s top priority,” he stated.
He further added, “We have simplified the visa process for Sikh pilgrims, and we encourage more Sikh devotees to visit Pakistan and connect with their sacred heritage sites.”
“Pakistanis are loving and peaceful people. Followers of all religions are treated with respect and dignity in our country,” he added.
Yesterday, the US Congressmen called on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.
Discussions during the meeting encompassed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defence cooperation, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release.
Earlier in the day, the delegation met with Interior Minister Naqvi and held a detailed discussion on bilateral relations, including cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and investment, as well as security, counterterrorism, and border security.
The delegation arrived on Saturday on a weeklong visit to Pakistan, the first ever high-level US congressional delegation visit to the country since US President Trump took office on January 20 this year.
