Islamabad (PTI): Sikhs in Pakistan have asked the government to establish separate institutions for the community so that Gurmukhi, the language of their scriptures, can be popularised among the younger generation who have been deprived of an opportunity to learn the script. Sardar Bishon Singh, former president of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC), said he would take a delegation to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman in this regard. "Once the ETPB establishes a separate institution, Sikhs will hire Sikh educationists to teach Gurmukhi," he said.

"If our children are not taught Gurmukhi, they will not be able to read our sacred scriptures. Muslim students are taught Arabic in schools to help them read the Holy Quran. Our children should also be taught Gurmukhi, so they can read the Guru Granth Sahib," Sikh residents said.

They underlined that it was for the government to set up separate institutions for Sikhs as private schools cannot afford a separate teacher for Gurmukhi.

"Private schools cannot afford a separate teacher for Gurmukhi. The government should establish a separate institution for Sikh children in the city,” a resident was quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper. Sikh families told the Pakistani daily last week that around 25 Sikh children studying in various schools of Lahore are not being taught Gurmukhi.

Though Sikhs constitute a very small minority in Pakistan, they have many cultural, historical and political ties to the country, and to the historical region of Punjab.