Faisalabad's Deputy Mayor Ameen Bhat apologised for his earlier opposition to the reopening of gurdwaras in the city.
“A few days ago, I made a serious mistake about Sikhs and gurdwaras. I sincerely apologize to the Sikh community and promise not to repeat such statements,” Bhatt said in a video posted on social media by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on Saturday.
The PSGPC welcomed the development and emphasised Pakistan's holy importance for Sikhs.
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Ameen Bhat has apologised for his derogatory remarks against the Sikh community, which is a welcome development. Pakistan is a sacred place for Sikhs and they consider it as their 'Pavitar Dharti' (holy land).
The country has a long history of welcoming thousands of Sikhs… pic.twitter.com/TiswEf7Kqf
— Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Pakistan (@SGPCPakistan) June 29, 2024
Earlier, a video clip was widely shared on social media in which Bhatt was seen protesting against the reopening of a gurdwara in Faisalabad, Pakistan, which had been closed for 76 years.
He was seen to be challenging the authority of the Punjab government and threatening to obstruct the reconstruction of the gurdwara.
In the video clip, he can be heard using derogatory language against the Sikh community.
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“Sikhs are rapists and murderers of Muslims. We will not allow any Sikh gurdwara in Faisalabad. If Sikhs try to build one, they will have to face Allah's warriors.”
You can open all your gurdwaras for namaz, but you will remain a kafir with no rights under Sharia law. https://t.co/SSF7mgKbkr
— The Untold Truth of Pakistan (@pakistan_untold) June 27, 2024
In Pakistan, the case highlights the continuing discrimination faced by minorities, who are often subject to serious injustice and discrimination.
Pakistan's religious minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, face continuing challenges including social exclusion, discriminatory laws and frequent atrocities stemming from religious extremism.
In Pakistan, Sikhs have faced violence, discrimination and targeted attacks. Incidents of intimidation, destruction of gurdwaras and physical assaults against Sikhs have been reported over the years. The Sikh community has also reported problems related to property disputes and illegal occupation of gurdwara property.
These disputes often involve local authorities and individuals seeking suitable land for Sikh religious sites.
(With inputs from ANI)
