World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga visited the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hasanabdal and an archaeological site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Sunday. According to official statements, Banga was accompanied by his spouse and senior officials who held discussions with Adviser to KP Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam and Member of Provincial Assembly Faisal Amin Gandapur on the province’s economic affairs.
Banga visited the Jaulian Buddhist archaeological site at Khanpur in KP. Adviser Aslam and Gandapur welcomed World Bank President Banga warmly during the visit, Federal Minister for Finance Aurangzeb also participated.
During their discussions, Aslam presented a shield to Banga and held talks on KP’s economic situation. KP Archaeology Director General Abdul Samad briefed Banga about KP’s archaeological heritage, with special emphasis on the Jaulian Buddha site. Samad appreciated Banga’s support for preserving cultural heritage.
Banga praised Samad’s efforts and assured him of all possible help in maintaining KP’s cultural legacy. He was invited to visit other archaeological sites and historical landmarks across the province.
Earlier, a press release stated that President Banga visited Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hasanabdal, where he offered prayers and partook in langar (community kitchen). Accompanied by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the press release added. Arora said that Banga’s arrival would send a positive message about religious freedom and that work was underway to beautify and renovate historical places of worship. The Punjab government also planned to promote religious tourism.