Lahore, May 10, 2025 – In a powerful display of unity, Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs and head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, led a press conference at the Lahore Press Club to condemn an alleged drone attack by India on Nankana Sahib, a revered Sikh holy site. Joined by prominent Sikh leaders and media representatives, Arora described the incident as a grave assault on religious sanctity and international norms.
The emergency gathering, attended by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari and Sikh community figures such as Sardar Bishan Singh, Satwant Kaur, Sardar Jaskaran Singh, and Kalyan Singh Kalyan, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its minority communities. Arora accused India of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to destabilize Pakistan’s reputation as a tolerant nation by targeting sacred sites and minority groups.
“This is not just an attack on Nankana Sahib, but an attack on the values of peace and coexistence,” Arora stated, calling for global condemnation of India’s actions. He dismissed recent claims linking Pakistan to incidents in India, including an alleged event in Pahalgam, as fabricated narratives meant to deflect scrutiny from India’s own actions.
Arora highlighted Pakistan’s strong bond with Sikhs, praising the warm hospitality extended to Sikh pilgrims during recent Baisakhi festivities.“Pilgrims from across the globe praised Pakistan’s hospitality and the freedom to practice their faith,” he said, accusing India of sowing discord between communities through misinformation.
Pakistan refutes India’s claims of involvement in attacks on Sikh sites like the Golden Temple, emphasizing its respect for Sikh citizens and their heritage, Arora stated. Such accusations are baseless and meant to provoke.” He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s government ensures equal respect for all religions, with minorities enjoying unrestricted rights to worship.
The minister called on the United Nations and human rights organizations to investigate India’s alleged aggression and address its targeting of minority communities. “The international community must hold India accountable for these violations,” he urged.
Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari echoed Arora’s sentiments, criticizing Indian media for spreading divisive narratives. “Pakistan’s media stands firmly with the state and its armed forces in promoting unity and protecting all communities,” Ansari said, pledging continued support for minority groups, particularly Sikhs.
Sikh leaders at the conference expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts to foster interfaith harmony and vowed to stand united against external threats. “Pakistan is our home, and we are committed to its peace and security,” said Sardar Bishan Singh, warning that any further aggression from India would face resolute resistance.
The press conference concluded with a renewed call for global action to address India’s alleged provocations and a pledge to uphold Pakistan’s legacy of religious tolerance and communal harmony.
