Pak President attends Guru Nanak’s birthday

LAHORE, NOV11: Pakistani President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar on Saturday joined Sikh pilgrims at ceremonies marking the 531st birthday of Guru Nanak. Thousands of Sikhs from India, United States, Germany, Canada, France, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and other countries joined fellow celebrants in Pakistan.

The annual ceremonies are taking place at the Sikh gurudwara at Nankana Sahib in Sheikhupura district, in Punjab province. In a speech Tarar said minorities enyoyed full religious freedom in Muslim Pakistan. "Our religion and constitution guarantees the rights of all the minorities," the President told the gathering.

Several high officials including Minister for Minorities S K Tressler and Punjab Province Governor Muhammad Safdar were also present. Tarar said the government was looking after the maintenance of holy places of Sikh religion and other minorities in the country. Guru Nanak was not only the founder of Sikh religion but is also highkly respected by Muslims, the President said.