Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar
The foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak International University has been laid in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism Baba Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan's Punjab province, more than a decade after its construction proposal first surfaced.
The foundation stone of the university was laid by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Friday and would be completed with an amount of over Rs 258 crores spread over 10 acres.
The government, however, has not yet declared about the tentative period the varsity would be built.
“The construction of the BGNU will begin once the legal formalities in this regard are met,” an official of the Punjab government told PTI on Saturday.
He said the work on this project will begin soon since the Nankana Sahib falls in the constituency of Federal Interior Minister Brig (R) Ijaz Shah.
"Brig Shah is a powerful minister in PM Imran Khan's cabinet and on his invitation, Punjab CM Buzdar came to Nankana Sahib and laid the foundation stone of the BGNIU,” he said.
Brig Shah recently took over as the interior minister.
During the occasion, Buzdar said various neglected districts like Nankana Sahib will be brought at par with the developed cities.
“Establishment of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib is the part of prime minister's vision to facilitate students in Nankana Sahib and other adjoining districts,” he said.
The decision to construct the university came after the Sikhs living in Pakistan demanded a university after the name of the founder of their religion Baba Guru Nanak at his birthplace in Nankana Sahib.
ALSO READ: Government determined to protect Islamic laws: Pakistan Law Minister
The proposal of the university was first surfaced in the Punjab government of Pervaiz Elahi in 2003.
Two years ago in the government of PML-N, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) gave final approval to the project.
Then ETPB chairman Siddiqul Farooq said this varsity would help promote religious tourism in Pakistan and also portray the country's good image at international level.
Earlier this year, for the first time a Pakistani university had created the Baba Guru Nanak research chair to promote the message of peace that the Sikh spiritual leader preached.
A motel of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) was also inaugurated in Nankana Sahib by the Punjab CM to promote religious tourism.
Buzdar also laid the foundation stone of a road repair project in Nankana Sahib district that will be completed with Rs 150 million.
"A dual road will also be laid from Gurdawara Tanboo Sahib to Gurdwara Janam Asthaan. The road connecting the Guru Nanak University to Nankana-Warburton Road will also be constructed," a senior official said.
ALSO READ: Pakistan removes pro-Khalistani leader from Kartarpur panel, but includes another
WATCH VIDEO: Kartarpur Corridor: On India’s objection, Pakistan drops pro-Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla from panel
