A seven-member delegation of Sikhs of America led by founding chairman Chand Hoque met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Maryam Nawaz spoke in Punjabi during her meeting with the Sikh delegation who appreciated Chief Minister Maryam's public welfare projects.
The Sikh delegation praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's initiatives for the rights and protection of minorities.
American Sikh delegation paid tribute to the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act in Punjab in wonderful words.
American Sikh delegation also appreciated the peaceful organization of Christmas celebrations in Punjab.
American Sikh delegation expressed happiness over the revival of the Punjabi language and installation of Punjabi signboards.
Talking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said meeting with Sikh brothers coming from America is a source of joy and I consider it an honor to welcome you.
"I thank the Sikh community around the world for always showing love and respect for Punjab and Pakistan," Maryam Nawaz said.
She said the Sikh community has an emotional connection to the holy places in Punjab and an unbreakable bond with Pakistan.
Sikh brothers have always shown goodwill for the promotion of mutual survival and harmony, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Maryam Nawas said she visited Gurdwara Kartarpur on the occasion of Baisakhi to express gratitude to the Sikh community.
Gurdwara Kartarpur is Pakistan's undeniable message of peace to the world, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said Sikhs in Punjab are taking the preservation of their heritage as their duty.
The construction, renovation and restoration of 56 historical Gurdwaras will be completed soon, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said the work of renovation and maintenance of Gurdwaras across Punjab is going on rapidly so that the pilgrims do not face any kind of difficulty.
Maryam Nawaz said a program of 75,000 minority cards has been started for the welfare and economic rehabilitation of minorities and the number will be increased further.
I believe that the journey of Punjab's development will remain incomplete without a sense of security in every community, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said we are making every effort to ensure security, transportation and other facilities for Sikh pilgrims.
We consider it an honor to welcome thousands of pilgrims from all over the world to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Maryam Nawaz said.
Maryam Nawaz said the arrival of thousands of Sikh pilgrims in Punjab is a reflection of religious harmony and mutual respect, a shared heritage.
The safety, comfort and convenience of every Sikh coming to Punjab is our responsibility and our honor to serve, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said we want every Sikh pilgrim coming to Pakistan to take pleasant memories from Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan is the only country in the world to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.
She further said the aim of implementing the Sikh Marriage Act is to respect the religious identity and traditions of the Sikh brothers.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said historic and valuable steps are being taken to promote religious tourism in Punjab.