Ajay Banga Pays Respects at Gurdwara Panja Sahib During Pakistan Visit

Hasan Abdal, Punja Sahib Ali Imran Chattha 
 

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga paid his respects at the historic Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during his high-level visit to Pakistan, adding a significant cultural and humanitarian dimension to his official tour.

Banga’s visit to one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines highlighted Pakistan’s emphasis on interfaith harmony, the preservation of Sikh heritage, and the promotion of religious tourism.
 He was warmly received by federal minister of finance Mr Aurang zaib ,Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC), along with additional secrty shrine Nasir Mushtaq & senior officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), local Sikh leaders, and members of the sangat.
 During the visit, the delegation briefed Banga on the historical and spiritual significance of Gurdwara Panja Sahib, which is closely associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji and revered by Sikhs across the world.

Inside the gurdwara, Banga offered prayers, participated in langar, and observed Sikh traditions symbolizing equality, humility, and selfless service. As a mark of respect, Sikh representatives presented him with a traditional siropa (robe of honor).
 In view of the high-profile visit, authorities put special security arrangements in place while ensuring uninterrupted access for worshippers.
 Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate travel for Sikh pilgrims, stating that the government is prepared to issue visas to Sikh yatrees holding passports from Europe, Canada, and the United States. He added that thousands of visas have already been issued to Indian Sikh pilgrims under existing bilateral protocols for major religious events, following requests from gurdwara management committees.
 Addressing the gathering, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that Sikhism’s roots are deeply embedded in present-day Pakistan, recalling that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in Nankana Sahib and spent his final years in Kartarpur.

He said the Punjab government, under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is making substantial investments in the restoration and preservation of historic gurdwaras, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to minority rights, religious heritage, and faith-based tourism.
 Banga’s Pakistan visit is primarily focused on economic cooperation, including discussions on reforms, development priorities, and the World Bank’s long-term support framework for the country. However, his visit to Gurdwara Panja Sahib was widely appreciated by government officials and the Sikh community as a gesture of goodwill and cultural respect.
 Following the gurdwara visit, Banga and his delegation proceeded to the Taxila Museum, where they toured key archaeological and heritage sites.
 The visit was widely viewed as reinforcing Pakistan’s stated commitment to safeguarding minority religious sites and fostering mutual understanding and goodwill across faiths.
 — Nazrana Times, Lahore Bureau