Pakistan govt to develop Nankana Sahib as modern town

Moga, Nov 5 (UNI) The Pakistan government has decided to construct a modern 300 rooms 'serai' (rest house) at Nanakana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev, for convinience of the pilgrims.

The announcement was made today by Pakistan's Minister of Miniorities Ejaz-ul-Haq, while addressing a congregation on the 537th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, who was born at Nankana Sahib, then known as Talwandi.

On the occasion, the minister released a sum of Rs 17 core for the repair and renovation of Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nanakana Sahib, Sohan Singh, Vice President Bhai Mardana International Kirtan Darbar Society, who is at Nankana Sahib to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations told over telephone. He is the leader of a jatha of the society to Pakistan.

In his address Mr Haq also stated that the Pakistan government had already declared Nankana Sahib a district, and asserted it would be transformed into a modern district.

Mr Haq, while paying tributes to Guru Nanak said that the Muslims of Pakistan have great respect for the Guru. He said that the government was determined to develop Nanakana Sahib and a University, a Engineering college and a three star hotel are being set up in this holy place.

UNI XC HS VD BST1605