U.S. Consul General Lahore Zachary Harkenrider visited Gurdwara Dera Sahib and Samadhi of Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, where he was received by Sham Singh, Chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Ramesh Singh Arora, Member of Provincial Assembly, and Siddiqul Farooq, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board.
In his brief remarks at the site, Consul General Harkenrider appreciated the opportunity to visit a site that is profoundly significant both for the Sikh community and the history of the Punjab. He recognized the government of Pakistan’s restoration of the site and noted its potential to serve as a pillar of regional tourism that will help build people-to-people connections across South Asia.
He commended the Government’s facilitation of Sikh pilgrims from India and all over the world, who visit the important religious and heritage sites in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore and Nankana Sahib.
During the visit, the Consul General laid floral wreaths at three “Asthaans” (places) at the site denoting Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Ranjeet Singh.
