A 12-member delegation of British Sikh soldiers headed by UK’s Deputy Commander Field Army Major General Celia J Harvey visited GHQ and met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday.
In the meeting at the General Headquarters Rawalpindi, the COAS said that Pakistan respected all religions and also recognized the need for promotion of religious tourism in the country.
He said that Kartarpur corridor was the practical manifestation of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment towards religious freedom and harmony.
The delegation visited Lahore where the dignitaries witnessed flag lowering ceremony at Wagha border. The delegation also visited Lahore Fort, Allama Iqbal Mausoleum and Badshahi Mosque.
During their stay, the British Sikh soldiers visited several religious sites in the country which included Darbar Hazrat Mian Mir, Haveli Naunihal Singh, Gurdwara Janamasthan Guru Ram Das, Samadi Ranjeet Singh, Gudwara Dera Sahib, Kartarpur Corridor, Nankana Sahib and Dera Panja Sahib.
The delegation also visited Orakzai District and witnessed Samana Fort, Lockhart Fort and Saragarhi Monument. This was the place where 21 Sikh soldiers laid their lives in 1897 as part of a British expedition and the site holds much historical significance for Sikhs.
The delegation laid wreath at Saragarhi Monument. The delegation lauded the efforts of Pakistan Armed Forces in bringing peace and normalcy in Tribal Districts.
