Tribune News Service
Patiala, December 28. Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Speaker of the Pakistan Provincial Assembly of Punjab, claimed the Pakistan government had respect for every religion here today. Khan, who was on his way to attend a function in Haryana, said Hindus living in Pakistan were safe as the Government of Pakistan treated all its citizens irrespective of his/her religion equally.
Khan said it was wrong to perceive that the Government of Pakistan neglected Hindu citizens because some had migrated to India. “It is an individual’s choice to reside wherever he or she wishes to,” he said.
Asked about the conditions of gurdwaras in Pakistan, Khan said the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (PETPB) had handed over the Kar Sewa to Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). He said that PETPB had been taking care of gurdwaras in Pakistan. The reconstruction work of the gurdwaras would be carried out only after consulting with the Sikhs in India and other parts of the world.
Khan said that the two countries, which had now become nuclear powers, had fought many wars and should work towards a brighter future. He said that he strongly favoured easing visa norms on both the sides in order to promote people to people contact.
