Pak to host int’l Sikh convention in Lahore

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 28

A three-day international Sikh convention is scheduled to be organised in Lahore from August 31. Titled “Relevance of Baba Guru Nanak era with today’s circumstances”, the event is expected to be attended by around 50 Sikh scholars from across the globe.

Ironically, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjinder Singh Sirsa could not find place on the list of invitees. However, their rival and former DSGMC chief Paramjit Singh Sarna and his brother Harvinder Singh Sarna have been invited.

Through the event, Pakistan intends to highlight the progress being made to open Kartarpur corridor and programmes to be scheduled in the wake of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on global level. Sources, however, alleged that the dual purpose might have a hidden agenda of highlighting that people of Jammu and Kashmir were suffering post abrogation of Article 370.

The programme has been scheduled on the directions of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar will host the event at Governor’s House, while Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) will be assisting him.

Guests from India, Canada, US, UK, France and other countries would be taken to Kartarpur Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Sacha Sauda. It has been learnt that 12 Sikh scholars from the US, five UK, 16 India, three Australia and one from Switzerland have confirmed their participation.

3-day event

The 3-day convention will begin from August 31. Titled “Relevance of Baba Guru Nanak era with today's circumstances”, the event is expected to be attended by around 50 Sikh scholars from across the globe.