Haider urges India to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that Indian cricket team should visit Pakistan to play Champions Trophy. He said that the absence of Indian cricket team from Champions Trophy will not have a good image worldwide.

He expressed these views while addressing a special event organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at the Governor’s House in honour of Sikh yatrees from USA and Canada on Wednesday.

Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, acting president of FPCCI Qurrat ul Ain and President of Pakistan Canada Trade Association, Bushra Rehman also addressed the ceremony. Vice President and Regional Chairman of FPCCI Zaki Aijaz, Vice President Zain Iftikhar and others also attended the event.

Addressing the ceremony, the governor said that whenever India invited Pakistan, our cricket team always went there to play.The governor said that Pakistan has always sacrificed in terms of sports. He stressed that the sports and games are highly healthy activities. These should not be mixed with the politics, he added. Qurrat ul Ain stated that we recognise that Pakistan is home to some of the holiest sites in Sikhism, including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Nankana Sahib, and Panja Sahib. We are immensely proud that Baba Guru Nanak’s journey began here, and it is our honour to welcome you to his birthplace, where his spirit of peace and wisdom remains a cherished part of our heritage.

She further said that Pakistan warmly opens its doors to all Sikh yatrees, valuing the tradition of religious tourism and the bridge it forms between nations and communities. Our citizens are known globally for their hospitality, and I assure you that this spirit of kindness and respect will extend to you throughout your stay. She said every effort will be made to make your stay memorable and meaningful.

She said that beyond pilgrimage, I see immense potential for our collaboration to grow through mutual investment and business development. Sikh business people can play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, strengthening economic bonds between nations.At FPCCI, we are ready to facilitate these opportunities, assisting with logistics, investment insights, and trade connections to ensure your businesses can thrive in Pakistan.