NAROWAL: Pakistan took wise decisions during its recent tension with India and the Sikh community all over the world will stand by Pakistan through thick and thin.

These views were expressed by the Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) from Canada who are on a visit to Gurdwara Baba Guru Nanak at Kartarpur, while talking to the media here on Thursday.

Two of the pilgrims -- Sardar Amarjit Singh and Gurumit Singh -- said the Sikh community world over was grateful to the Pakistan government for allowing Kartarpur Corridor Project and working hard to execute it.

They said that after completion of the project millions of poor Sikhs from India would be able to perform their religious rites at the Gurdwara Baba Guru Nanak easily.

They said Pakistan was a peaceful country, while certain elements were spreading baseless propaganda to malign the country and promote jingoism, which should be strongly condemned.

Other yatrees also appreciated Pakistan for acting wisely during the recent tiff with India and promoting love and peace in the region.

They said Pakistan had a great significance for the Sikhs as founder of Sikhism Baba Guru Nanak was born here and his samadhi (grave) is also in Pakistan.

They said that in case of Pakistan facing a hard time, the Sikh community of the world would stand by the country.

The Canadian Sikh yatrees offered their religious rites at the gurdawara and laid a chadar (ceremonial sheet) on the samadhi.

They were also briefed on the corridor project and were informed it would be complete before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The yatrees were served food, drinks and fruit on the occasion. There were tight security arrangements during their visit to the Gurdwara.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2019