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Sikh delegation meets Pak
Minister to discuss Minority Rights
WSN Network
 Washington,
D.C.: A Sikh Delegation comprising representatives of various Sikhs'
bodies met Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan Minister of Minority Affairs on
September 17, 2009 to discuss minority rights and issues pertaining
to humanitarian aid relief for minorities in
Pakistan.
The delegation also discussed how Sikhs in the
United States
and elsewhere can advise and promote dialogue between the Sikh
community and the Government of Pakistan to recognize, restore, and
preserve historic sites and Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship).
The delegation
comprised representatives of United Sikhs, Voices for Freedom, Guru
Gobind Singh ji Foundation, Sikh Youth of America, American Gurdwara
Prabandhak Committee, and Sikh Gurdwara of Greater Washington.
Minister Bhatti
said the pakistan government was working towards empowering the
Pakistani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committees to maintain and preserve
the Gurdwaras, prevent Gurdwara land from being sold for commercial
purposes or profit, reservation of 5% jobs in the government for
minorities, establishment of Baba Nanak University to promote
research on Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sikh history in Pakistan,
preservation of Sikh texts, and creation of an Interfaith Complex in
Islamabad to highlight different faiths and to show diversity. Bhai
Bakhshish Singh, Representative, American Gurdwara Prabandhak
Committee (AGPC) commented, "As many important Sikh historical sites
are located in Pakistan, the Sikhs globally have an interest in
proper preservation and treatment of these sites."
Another
prominent issue discussed in the meeting was the introduction of the
Minority Protection Act in the Pakistani Parliament that will
safeguard the rights of all religious and other minorities in
Pakistan.
Bhai Narinder
Singh of Sikh Youth of America said, "With the increase of
globalization, it is great that Pakistan is making the efforts to
recognize their rich cultural diversity and including input from
community members abroad."
Chattar Singh of
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Foundation said Sikhs will extend support to
the Pakistani Government in any efforts to improve the life of
minorities in Pakistan."
A United Sikhs'
press release said the forum was instrumental in arranging this
meeting.
30
September 2009
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