Pakistan is a live example of pluralism and diversity. It enfolds every kind of belief, culture, tradition, and custom. Pakistan is an Islamic state which is why it encourages the practice of all faiths freely. Because it is the notion of Islam to protect the rights of others and to respect the different beliefs. That is why minorities are living in Pakistan are safe and able to perform their practices and their rituals openly. The Muslims also used to join them in their celebrations and invite them in their celebration as well. In Pakistan, all the people are living as Pakistani not as Muslim or Hindu, neither as Sikh nor as Christian. There are so many disparities but it assembles all as a nation (Aik Qaum). These differences are the real beauty of Pakistan.
Pakistan has preserved the history of Sikhism and some of the sacred places are visited by the Sikh community and also by many tourists. The sacred Gurdwaras and Shrines are the finished art of tradition and are seems to be the only pieces. Some of the major Holy points of the Sikh community are as below:
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan
This Gurdwara was built in the honor of Guru Nanak who is known to be the founder of Sikhism. It is the birthplace of Guru Nanak which is located in the city of Nankana Sahib near Lahore. This is visited by Sikh Yatris for the sake of pilgrimage. Lahore city is considered to be the hub of tradition and it has a history of historical movements along with civilization. This Gurdwara is one of the assets of Pakistan and it always welcomes the Sikh community from all over the world.
- Gurdwara Panja Sahib
This Gurdwara was built based on their belief system. The Sikh community believed that it has the handprint of their leader Guru Nanak. It is located in Hassan Abdal, Pakistan. It holds all its essence today as it was in the centuries.
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur
This beautiful Holy place of Sikhism is located in Kartarpur in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is notable for its location as well as it is near to the Pakistan and India border. It was not easily accessible for the Indian Sikh community before 2018 but Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan opened it to everyone on the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak which marked the pacifist approach of Pakistan. Almost all the Indian Sikh community came to visit their religious spot after decades.
- Gurdwara Dera Sahib
This Gurdwara is in the range of monuments like Badshahi Mosque and some other located in Lahore. It is among the visiting point for every visitor of Lahore. This shrine is surrounded by nature which makes it more prominent.
- Gurdwara Rori Sahib
This is located in Eminabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Pakistan. This is among the old ones and it has been restored. The long pillar-like tomb is holding the rituals of Sikhism.
Holy places always look beautiful and alive with their believers otherwise they are also like all other buildings. Pakistan uplifts religious, cultural, and natural beauty. And it ensures the safety and security of its visitors as well. Pakistan would be the best spot for all the Sikh community because they can pilgrim all their oldest and original shrines in one place.
