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LAHORE: A Sikh ranger participated in the traditional beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border for the first time ever, reports IndiaTV.
People from both sides of the border welcomed the Sikh ranger, Amarjeet Singh, with a huge round of applause when he came for the ceremony. The surroundings filled with the sound of claps when he shook hands with the Indian ranger.
Amarjeet is a resident of Nankana Sahib. He is said to be the first person ever from the Sikh community to join the Pakistan Army. Reports say that Amarjeet joined the army in 2005 and completed training this year, after which he was included in the defence forces on the Wagah border.
Talking about his duty for Pakistan, Amarjeet said that he was proud of being a part of the Pakistan army and would be happy to lay down his life for the nation.
Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2016
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Comments (125) Closed
Jan 09, 2016 08:07am
Good to read this article. Needless to say, we are proud to have Pakistanis of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds and all are equally Pakistani.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:14am
Good to see this. These kinds of things creat harmony and enhance nations love and tolerance level.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:21am
Great addition.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:27am
Recently, Pakistani Hindus and Christians members of Pakistani Army laid down their lives against Terrorists during Zarb Azam.
A few years ago, Pakistani Army established new goals to have at least 2% of total defense force from non Muslim minority communities.
During 1965 and 71 wars, about one third of medal bearing 'Heroes' of Pakistani Air Force belonged to Christian Community
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Jan 09, 2016 08:32am
Good, citizenship of Pakistan, not cast color or creed should be the bases of merit
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Jan 09, 2016 08:32am
I hope our nation had valued something called diversity more. It is not too late to exercise tolerance and aim for a diverse, inclusive, pluralistic, vibrant society.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:36am
Minorities also have rights in a country. Good to see that happening.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:46am
This news made me very happy.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:48am
Herchan Singh was the first Sikh Pakistani to be commissioned in the Pakistani army.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:53am
Hercharn Singh is another Pakistani Sikh who joined the army and is a commissioned officer. Its great to see the minorities of Pakistan participating in all works of society as they should.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:11am
Amarjeet Singh your vision and passion to serve Pakistan deserve praise... You are the best example of how minorities are valued in Pakistan and are fully integrated in our social fabric...
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Jan 09, 2016 09:12am
Pakistan belong to all people its really happy to see this picture. A good message send to other side of border.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:21am
Warmed my heart ......Pakistan going in right direction at last
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Jan 09, 2016 09:30am
I am always delighted at the participation of Sikhs in any military ventures. They are brave, born to sacrifice and certainly an asset to any nation that avails their service. We can find Sikhs likewise in British Military and US military as well. Another such breed of warriors are Gorkhas from Himalayan foothills and Coorgis from Karnataka, South India.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:30am
Great news, great diversity, great Pakistani sikh ...proud of you !!!!
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Jan 09, 2016 09:41am
@Ahmed USA that makes it two. Pakistan is really diverse.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:52am
Fabulous to see. Long live Pakistan Long live Pak armed forces.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:07am
Singh is king
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Jan 09, 2016 10:10am
Excellent news!
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Jan 09, 2016 10:11am
Good news like good old days when everyone was Pakistani. I have no doubt minorities love this country ,but I salute those people who are behind him in his selection making him part of ranger.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:12am
@Hamza
You have spoken for all of us. Thank you.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:16am
More Sikhs, hindus, Christians should be encouraged to join Pakistan army,police and politics. It's for their best. The government should make free education for minorities in Pakistan. This is how I feel.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:26am
Awwww. Sweet
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Jan 09, 2016 10:33am
We are proud of YOU, Pakistan Zindabad.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:33am
We need thousands and thousands of such stories. Relieve the soul
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Jan 09, 2016 10:34am
Heartening to know that Pakistani minorities are being included in the army. We should see more of them included in all walks of life.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:57am
What is so strange ? Land known as Pakistan has been Amerjeet's Sigh's home for millennia.
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Jan 09, 2016 11:06am
I clearly remember news about some sikh Pakistani soldier before he cant be first... anyways overjoyed to see his dedication for His country, May he and his family and all other minority community in Pakistan find peace here !!!
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Jan 09, 2016 11:10am
Well done Pakistan
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Jan 09, 2016 11:16am
proud to see you there
welcome
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Jan 09, 2016 11:17am
inching towards better understanding prove cutting edges
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Jan 09, 2016 11:34am
Pakistani government authority should take care to cluster settlement of sikh hindu to be encouraged panja sahib adjacent area for their social security. Long live Pakistan.
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Jan 09, 2016 11:40am
It make us proud as equality and harmony are the best thing in the world.
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Jan 09, 2016 12:21pm
Pakistani media should make the local population aware of the services and sacrifices made by Pakistani minorities. Great news.
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Jan 09, 2016 12:36pm
"Amarjeet said that he was proud of being a part of the Pakistan army and would be happy to lay down his life for the nation"
WOW! our minorities are our valued possession, they are actively participating in the nation building. This son of the soil soldier looks so determined & graceful. Pakistan armed forces have many such soldiers proudly working for their motherland.
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Jan 09, 2016 12:50pm
Great news I salute this soldier and all our valiant soldiers of our prized armed forces. Pakistan Zindabad
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Jan 09, 2016 12:51pm
@Qambar Ali yes as per the wishes of Jinnah Saheb
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Jan 09, 2016 12:58pm
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Also, do not forget the region of Potohar which was a pool for British Indian Army and later on for Pakistan Army. Pathans from KP have had a reputation of being great soldiers for centuries and fought British, Sikhs and later on Indian army. Also, Azad Kashmiri Muslims have a proud history in the military for generations: no wonder they managed to liberate their land from Hindu indian army sent by Nehru in the 40s. My own great-grandfather served in Burma (Mayanmar) in the 1800s.
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Jan 09, 2016 01:15pm
No surprise. Good news. Pakistan is a pluralistic society with equal rights for all the citizens of Pakistan irrespective of cast, colour and creed. Forget about using the word 'minority', we all are proud Pakistanis. Let's do something to make Pakistan feel proud. Every good move should be appreciated and encouraged which improves or enhances the positive image of Pakistan in this global world. Pak army Zindabad. Pakistan Paindabad.
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Jan 09, 2016 01:32pm
A very nice induction and i have no doubt that he is as good patriot as any one of us could be.
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Jan 09, 2016 01:40pm
Why does he have to lay down his life? He must live for his country's prosperity.
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Jan 09, 2016 01:50pm
He is not first sikh to join Pak Army ... First person was Charan Singh.
I know this because Charan Singh was my class fellow at College and Amarjeet Singh is my friend as well ... We used to play cricket together.
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Jan 09, 2016 02:04pm
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO defence minster and science/economic minster of
canada er also sikh.
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Jan 09, 2016 02:06pm
Diversity is a good sign for a developing society. Its also an outcome of Musharraf's moderate policies. Because it was decided during his era, minorities would be a part of Pakistan armed forces.
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Jan 09, 2016 02:12pm
one should love his country i like this
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Jan 09, 2016 02:19pm
Good new we proud him
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Jan 09, 2016 02:40pm
in Indo-Pak wars a sgnificant number of christians participated and got medals. One name is Cecil Chauhdary. He was awarded Siatara-e-Jurrat
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Jan 09, 2016 02:44pm
Proud of him! Way to go brother!
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Jan 09, 2016 03:16pm
@j.s.mongia Yes Sir. It makes every one of us proud of our people
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Jan 09, 2016 03:28pm
A positive development, no doubt. However, this one instance (and some like these) should not mean that minorities do not have problems in Pakistan. There are indeed serious problems that need to be addressed on top priority.
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Jan 09, 2016 03:52pm
Good job! There is no greater honor than living and dying for your country. Shame on those who betray or work against their own country.
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Jan 09, 2016 04:44pm
It's great to see you in Pak Rangers Mr. Amarjeet. We love our minorities to bits and call for equal rights.
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Jan 09, 2016 04:52pm
Nice to see. But he is not the 1st Sikh in Pak army.
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Jan 09, 2016 06:33pm
Great news. More minorities should be welcomed.
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Jan 09, 2016 07:14pm
Who says minorities don't enjoy equal rights in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?
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Jan 09, 2016 07:50pm
Amarjeet Singh has made not only the Sikhs in Pakistan proud, but also made our beloved Quaid's Pakistan proud. The father of the nation had declared that every Pakistani will be enjoy equal rights and respect, regardless of religion, caste or creed. We applaud and salute our armed forces for making Quaid's great vision a reality.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:03pm
@Hamza yes
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Jan 09, 2016 08:29pm
So proud of my fellowman Amarjeet. The sad part is that this is news. This was what Pakistan was supposed to be.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:33pm
beautful news- paa ji Amrjeet singh ji zindabad.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:48pm
It's good to see diversity in Pakistan. Son of the soil is committed to serve her. Looking forward to have more practical examples. Good going.
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Jan 09, 2016 08:49pm
Why is this news such a surprise? We Pakistanis always loved Sikhs! In fact we love them more than we love Indian Muslims!
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Jan 09, 2016 08:57pm
Good
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Jan 09, 2016 09:03pm
He is not the first sikh in the army, we have several more.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:09pm
Congratulation Pakistani Forces.
We, expats don't hear about these diversities among the terror mongering from Pakistan. I knew Pakistan was more diversified than led to believe and Pakistani Forces are the most structured institutions of the nation thus more tolerant and open.
As a choice, I made US my home and did my part to defend it and will do more if asked even with my life, this is my home.
Thus, the people who have been there for centuries, Pakistan is their home and they should defend it with their life, it is their home.
Congratulations and Salute to those who Serve, Country should be proud of them.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:16pm
Sikhs r super Kool people. Glad to see our boy in Pakistani military uniform. God bless him!
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Jan 09, 2016 09:20pm
Minorities should be encouraged to contribute to the nation in form of employment in Armed forces, civil service and judiciary. Blatant discrimination against minorities should be against the law and must end if Pakistan wants to be a progressive country. History tells us that it is the inclusiveness which makes nations great and exclusiveness destroys great nations
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Jan 09, 2016 09:23pm
So proud of our sikh brother first he pakistani religion second more minority join pakistan and be proud of your country
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Jan 09, 2016 09:37pm
Great start ,love it.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:47pm
Pakistani minorities specially Christians are already actively participating in forces. It is just this kind of visibility is rare.
PTI 's one senior guy is a retired Christian Brigadier, I do not remember his name. Any PTI guy to put his name here? He is also a respected defense analyst.
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Jan 09, 2016 09:51pm
@Frankenstein yeah, Cecil Chauhdary is an PAF icon.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:06pm
A true Pakistani from the holy Sikh city of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:09pm
Great news!
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Jan 09, 2016 10:15pm
@BRIJ Its a dream of every soldier to die for his country!
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Jan 09, 2016 10:26pm
The dude is impressive....
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Jan 09, 2016 10:28pm
Proud of our Sikh Pakistani brothers. Stay united.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:35pm
The remarks from the Pakistani readers clearly confirm that they are no different from the Indian people - both very emotional, temperamental, but with a big heart. The main problem is that they are both very temperamental, very often creating a storm in a teacup. Other than that, I do not see a fundamental issue that should stop them from working with each other. The issues between Indians and Pakistanis are shallow in nature, and I am glad it is that way.
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Jan 09, 2016 10:43pm
Live long. Respect!
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Jan 09, 2016 10:59pm
Excellent. Sikhs are proud citizens of Pakistan just like other minorities. Salute to sardar jee.
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Jan 09, 2016 11:37pm
True son of soil... Pakistan Zindabad
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Jan 09, 2016 11:52pm
Wonderful, heartwarming to hear this....God Bless members of the minority communities who choose to serve their nation, and God Bless the Pakistani armed forces...
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Jan 09, 2016 11:56pm
Welcome young man
We are simply proud of you!
religion is very personal thing and nationality makes you proud Pakistani.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:04am
Should be hugging ceremony
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Jan 10, 2016 01:06am
@Something Fishy
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Jan 10, 2016 02:05am
Well done. Pakistan army ZINDABAD,
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Jan 10, 2016 02:53am
long live Sardar of our nation,proud of you
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Jan 10, 2016 03:23am
Amarjeet Sing Saheb you are not only the proud one. You made all Pakistani proud.
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Jan 10, 2016 03:26am
Pakistanis are one of the tolerant nations after some EU countries. I am proud of being a Pakistani.
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Jan 10, 2016 04:17am
bravo
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Jan 10, 2016 05:40am
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO: Your generalizations are likely true;however, if the y touched on the negative, how would you and others handle that?
Stereotypes can accentuate the positive AND the negative!
*Yet, they are stereotypes nevertheless!
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Jan 10, 2016 06:03am
@Jawad Good thoughts. A small step but in right direction
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Jan 10, 2016 06:15am
@Hamza Education can change Pakistan and they can have common sense to choose the right leader in elections. I still believe Nawaz Sharif won by rigging. Yes he is doing a good job but credit goes to China and General Raheel Sharif. Imran Khan could have totally changed Pakistan. Pakistan needs someone who has experienced not in Goverment but in honesty. Imran living in the UK was an Bradford University ambassador. He can change Pakistan. If Imran fails the next elections the its our uneducated people to blame.
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Jan 10, 2016 07:35am
My salute to Amarjeet a brave Pakistani soldier
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Jan 10, 2016 07:46am
Major hercharn singh is the first sikh officer. He completed training and got commission in 2007. Presently serving
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Jan 10, 2016 07:53am
@Something Fishy there was also a lt.General from Christian community
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Jan 10, 2016 08:31am
@Ahmed USA proud for one ..anyway good
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Jan 10, 2016 10:11am
The worlds oldest civilisation is the natives of Pakistan.Much much before even the Chinese the Indus valley civilisation came into being. Much of the civilisation is in Pakistan. So be proud Pakistanis of your great civilisation and great culture to bring minorities into your armed forces.No wonder you are a very proud nation.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:17am
Just one in millions.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:20pm
@Sunil . More will come, Inshallah. Please keep the count........
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Jan 10, 2016 12:31pm
Minorities should be encouraged to develop a plural society that we desperately need.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:37pm
Every Pakistani citizen should be welcomed to serve inall government departments.
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Jan 10, 2016 12:47pm
Fantastic !!!!
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Jan 10, 2016 01:42pm
Pakistani Sikhs are as loyal Pakistani Citizens as any other Loyal Pakistani is. What a Great Look and Confidence on this Patriotic Pakistani Sikh Ranger has on his face. I want to say that All Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, Parsis and other minorities of Pakistan should take pride in joining Pakistan Armed Forces as this will provide them respect, dignity, and a great voice about themselves in Pakistani inner Pakistani Politics too.
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Jan 10, 2016 01:54pm
happy to see the comment from every one
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Jan 10, 2016 01:54pm
Contribution to anything should not be looked thru religion and ethnicity. I m glad Pakistan has changed to the right direction
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Jan 10, 2016 06:44pm
Looking forward to the day when something like this isn't even newsworthy.
Every day that we even need to use the word "minority" is a debt that we build up against the wishes of our beloved Quaid-e-Azam, who towered above all others in his integrity and his commitment to equality. There is no greater service we could do to our country than to follow his example.
Hasan
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Jan 10, 2016 06:54pm
Let's not forget that seeing a Sikh brother in a uniform is all well and rosy with our minorities. It is a good start but we need to work hard until a Sikh ,Hindu Christian or any minority person can become president, prime minister or chief of staff of this country. Until then this is a very small step towards our minorities tights.
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Jan 10, 2016 06:57pm
What a lovely feeling to see a Pakistani Sikh jawa in green turbn.
Gee oye sohnia, dil khush kita hi...
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Jan 10, 2016 07:24pm
Whichever country you live in should be your motherland and one should be ready to do any sacrifice for that country. Further when you join army your duty is primary and there should not be any other consideration.
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Jan 10, 2016 07:47pm
Wah Guru!
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Jan 10, 2016 08:19pm
Good job since Sikhs are always loyal to the nation they are born pak should recruit more sikhs in the army in the army.
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Jan 10, 2016 09:16pm
its a heartening news..but guys, we ( Indians) have a whole regiment of Sikhs!and leave aside soldiers we had 3/4 army/airforce/navy chief until now..
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Jan 10, 2016 09:27pm
Can we see Sikh, Hindu, Christian and Parsi prime minister, president, chief justice and army chief of Pakistan ? It can and already happened in india.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:03pm
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Sikhs are native to Pakistan as well and this is their homeland. Soon there will be Khalistan which has the same meaning as Pakistan.
Gorkhas are perhaps the bravest fighters I know. Never heard of any these South Indians you talk about.
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Jan 10, 2016 10:18pm
This is a really positive news
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Jan 10, 2016 10:28pm
Really a progressive and laudable step by Pakistan. However a lot more is desirable..
Though Mr. Jinnah had envisaged Pakistan as a the nation of all Pakistanis, eventually it had fallen prey to the religious extremists and minorities were marginalised through oppression and ethnic cleansing. The census figures of the last 5 decades can vouch for it. The Hindu population of Pakistan (erstwhile West Pakistan) has fallen from 14% of 1947 to a paltry 1.4% at present.. Compare this with the Muslim population of India, which has increased from 7% in 1947 to 15% at present. India has seen Muslims occupying posts of President, Chief Justice, Army chief etc.. Contrast the situation of Minorities in Pakistan..
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Jan 11, 2016 11:27am
Great job Sardarji... Respect from India
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Jan 11, 2016 12:30pm
@aslam That is a nice one,really!:)
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Jan 11, 2016 03:47pm
So pleasing to hear this...strength comes from diversity. We must take participation of all minorities as critical element of the nation. We must protect their interests and respect them.
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Jan 11, 2016 10:18pm
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO The defence minister of Canada is Harjit Singh Sajjan, a fully bearded, turbaned, Canadian army veteran.
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Jan 12, 2016 03:32am
I am so proud of my Sikh Ranger brother. God bless you.
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Jan 12, 2016 08:16am
Its very nice to visit wagah border check point and see crowds on both sides . only difference i noticed was that women in pakistan were on one enclosure and men on the other ,barring VIP encl which had both men and women .
It would be good idea to have some malls and food courts!!!! built on either side ,so people can enjoy jointly It will create more jobs along with better understanding.
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Jan 12, 2016 10:21am
But it would also be a good idea if the Sikh ranger was able to wear a Sikh turban to demonstarte tolerance towards other religions.
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Jan 12, 2016 10:39am
Proud of our Armed Forces !
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Jan 12, 2016 11:13am
Sikhs are highly loyal, brave and competent soldiers in the armies of India, Britain, Canada, USA and Pakistan.
Pakistan should encourage more Pakistani Sikhs to join the Army as they have proud family traditions of joining the Army and are good fighters. It will also strengthen the nation in making all feel as an equal part of the community as the many comments from proud Pakistanis here prove.
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Jan 12, 2016 02:07pm
Happy to see minorities allowed to live and prosper.
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