By Junaid Qaiser
At a time when the world seems ever more divided along religious and political lines, Pakistan once again showcased the quiet strength of its soft power through a celebration of faith, coexistence, and compassion. The 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, commemorated in Nankana Sahib this week, became more than a religious gathering — it was a living expression of Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and universal human values.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif both extended heartfelt greetings to the Sikh community in Pakistan and around the world, describing Baba Guru Nanak as a timeless messenger of peace, tolerance, and equality. Their statements were not mere formalities; they reaffirmed a consistent national ethos — that Pakistan’s strength lies in protecting its diversity and respecting all faiths.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored this commitment in his message, declaring that it is a matter of pride for Pakistan to safeguard Gurdwaras associated with the life and teachings of Baba Guru Nanak. “The Government of Pakistan is unwaveringly committed to protecting the rights of all religious minorities,” he emphasized, adding that all possible facilities were being provided to pilgrims visiting these sacred sites.
This year’s celebrations were particularly significant. For the first time since border tensions flared earlier in May, more than 2,100 Sikh pilgrims were granted visas by Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi — a gesture reflecting Islamabad’s desire to keep cultural and religious connections alive despite diplomatic strains. Pilgrims from India and beyond crossed into Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border, greeted with flowers, rose petals, and warm hospitality — a scene that spoke louder than any political statement.
Pakistan is home to over 15,000 Sikhs, and tens of thousands more visit annually to pay their respects at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, his final resting place. These sites are more than historical landmarks; they are symbols of shared spiritual heritage that link two nations beyond their political divides.
President Zardari echoed this sentiment, noting that Pakistan “takes pride in being the guardian of several sacred Gurdwaras linked to the life of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.” He highlighted the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019 — a visa-free link allowing Indian Sikhs to visit one of their holiest shrines — as an example of Pakistan’s enduring commitment to interfaith understanding. “His teachings on love for humanity, selfless service, and harmony among people of all faiths remain timeless and universal,” the president said.
Local authorities, including Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak and Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa, personally reviewed security and logistical arrangements at Gurdwara Siri Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal. From accommodation and sanitation to traffic and medical services, every effort reflected an administrative readiness guided by compassion. Their commitment demonstrated that interfaith harmony is not merely a policy slogan — it is a lived value in Pakistan’s governance model.
Baba Guru Nanak’s message of unity, togetherness, and tolerance, as Prime Minister Sharif aptly described, “is a beacon of light to establish a peaceful and just world.” It is this message that Pakistan seeks to embody — a message that transcends faith and borders.
By welcoming pilgrims with open arms and reaffirming its guardianship of Sikh heritage, Pakistan has once again reminded the world that its true strength lies not only in diplomacy or defense, but in empathy. This is soft power in its purest form — a power that builds bridges where walls once stood.
As the hymns echoed through the sacred halls of Nankana Sahib, so did Pakistan’s message: peace is not merely a policy, but a principle; not a posture, but a practice. And in that practice, the true strength of Pakistan’s soft power continues to shine.
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