Pakistan begins process to set up Sikh university

Pakistan on Monday formally started the process to establish a Guru Nanak university in Punjab province's Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak.

The foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak International University (BGNIU), spread over 10 acres, was laid by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar laid its foundation stone in July, over 15 years after its construction proposal first surfaced.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah said that Rs 6 billion will be spent on the project which is expected to be completed in three phases.

He said Punjabi and Khalsa languages will also be taught at the university.

Earlier, the Punjab provincial government had allocated 70 acres of land for setting up the university at the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

There had been a demand from Pakistan's minority Sikh community to construct a university named after the founder of their religion at his birthplace in Nankana Sahib.

A proposal to set up the ...