TAXILA: World Bank President Ajay Banga on Sunday visited Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabadal, the second holiest shrine of Sikhs, where he offered prayers and performed religious rituals.
Accompanied by his wife and family members, Mr Banga entered the sacred precincts and performed ‘Matha Teki’ (bowing of the head) and the sacred parikrama of the holy rock bearing the handprint of Baba Guru Nanak — the founder of Sikhism.
The World Bank president also listened to the sermon delivered by the Granthi and later sat with devotees to partake in langar, the communal meal that reflects the core Sikh values of selfless service and collective harmony.
During the visit, Mr Banga expressed appreciation for the remarkable uplift and beautification of the surroundings of Gurdwara Punja Sahib, terming it a commendable effort to honour the sacred heritage while enhancing the experience of pilgrims.
Ajay Banga also visits Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, Taxila museum
In a gesture steeped in tradition and goodwill, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with prominent members of the Sikh community, presented Mr Banga with a traditional siropa (robe of honour), symbolising reverence, affection and spiritual kinship.
Later, Mr Banga visited the archaeological museum in Taxila, where Punjab Department of Archaeology Deputy Director Aasim Dogar and other officials welcomed him upon arrival.
Strict security arrangements were put in place in Hassanabdal, Taxila and other areas by the police to ensure the smooth conduct of the visit.
Mr Banga also visited the historic Jaulian Buddhist Monastery near Khanpur.
He appreciated the “excellent state of preservation” of the archaeological site and commended the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Muhammad Sadaqat in Haripur also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2026
