The Nankana Massacre, also known as Saka Nankana Sahib, was a significant event in the history of the Sikh faith that took place on February 20, 1921.
More than 260 Sikhs including children, women and old aged were killed in this massacre by the characterless Mahant Narain Das and his mercenaries who had the patronage of the Colonial British government. The event is considered as an important part of Sikh history.
The saga constitutes the core of the Gurdwara Reform Movement started by the Sikhs in the early 20th century. Sardar Satwant Singh explained that the Jand tree at Gurdwara Janam Asthan has been preserved to commemorate the martyrs.
A ceremony is held every year to commemorate this sacrifice of Sikhs. Sikh heritage in Pakistan is one of the major pillar of the heritage of Pakistan. Pakistan is home to some of the most significant Sikh pilgrimage sites including the birthplace and final resting place of Baba Guru Nanak. An ETPB document claims that there are around 195 gurdwaras across Pakistan.
Under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, a large number of pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to participate in various religious festivals and occasions each year.
Pakistan is proud to be cradle of Sikh heritage and a sacred land for all Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan and for other Sikhs living around the world as well. There is potential to promote religious tourism.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s famous speech in which he assured that all Pakistani citizens, regardless of their socio-religious backgrounds, would have equal civic rights and opportunities to uplift the newly-established country.
There are numerous historic religious sites across Pakistan, which have duly preserved the region’s ancient history. It is yet another interesting fact that the most significant religious sites of several religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, are located in present-day Pakistan.
British historian Bobby Singh Bansal has claimed that 90% of the Sikh heritage sites are located in Pakistan, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Religious tourism can contribute enormously in amplifying Pakistan’s economy by projecting the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists and Sikh religious sites existing in the country. Pakistan respects all religions and also recognizes the need for promotion of religious tourism in the country.
Please visit our website London Institute of Peace Research for latest peace news
