High Commissioner’s visit to Wellington Gurudwara Sahib (10 November)

On the historic opening of Kartarpur corridor as well as celebrations marking the 550 th birthday of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, High Commissioner of Pakistan to New Zealand H.E. Dr. Abdul Malik attended the main Gurudwara of Sikh community at Wellington on 10 November 2019.

The High Commissioner in his keynote address congratulated the Sikh worshippers on birthday of the founder of Sikh religion. He informed them about opening of Kartarpur corridor and said that longstanding dream of our Sikh brothers and sisters have become a reality through the peace initiatives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Quoting Prime Minister, the High Commissioner said that “unprecedented gesture of goodwill is a reflection of our deep respect for Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji and religious sentiments of Sikh community.” He added that inauguration of Kartapur corridor was a testimony of Pakistan’s commitment towards peace of the region.

The High Commissioner said that Kartarpur Corridor would realize into a bridge of peace, love and friendship as was the preaching and message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He stated that the Indian Government should learn from the teachings of Baba Dev Ji and remove all kinds of injustices and human rights violations being perpetrated on 8 million Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir. The Kashmiri people were living under siege for more than three months ever since the illegal steps of 5th August were taken by Indian government.

The High Commissioner informed the Sikh worshippers about various measures taken by Government of Pakistan to facilitate Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartapur corridor. He mentioned that under the instructions of Government of Pakistan the High Commission was facilitating visas for Sikhs living in New Zealand. He was happy to note that 33 visas were issued to Sikh pilgrims from New Zealand to participate in 550 th birthday celebrations in Pakistan.

At the closure of ceremony, the High Commissioner was presented with a letter of appreciation and a booklet detailing the life of Guru Nanak Sahib.

Wellington 10 November 2019