KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a commemorative coin of Rs. 55 denomination to mark the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.
The birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak was celebrated at Gurdwara Janamashthan Nankana Sahib last week, where Sikh pilgrims from all over the world, including India, performed religious rituals.
The birth anniversary, also known as Gurupurab, is celebrated every year by followers of Sikhism worldwide.
According to a press release issued by the central bank, the coin is round, with a diameter of 30 mm and a weight of 13.5 grams. It is made of a nickel-brass alloy with 79% copper, 20% zinc, and 1% nickel.
The obverse side of the coin features a waxing crescent and a five-pointed star facing North-West in a rising position. Along the periphery, the top of the crescent and star are inscribed with the words “Islami Jamhooria Pakistan” in Urdu script.
On the reverse side of the coin, a picture of the monument of Baba Guru Nanak is shown in the centre. The wording “555th Birthday Celebrations” is written at the top of the monument, and “SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI” is written at the bottom of the monument. Additionally, “1469-2024” is written along the periphery at the bottom of the coin, depicting the span of the birthday celebrations.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sikhism is a worldwide religion with millions of adherents, and its holiest shrines are located in Pakistan.
The coin is being issued through the exchange counters of all the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation from November 22, 2024, according to the statement.
Pakistan had issued visas to over 3,000 Indian pilgrims, allowing them to attend Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations at their religious sites in Pakistan.
Last month, Pakistan renewed its agreement for another five years, allowing Indian pilgrims to continue visiting the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, through the visa-free corridor.
