Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has confirmed that he has received an invitation to attend the World Punjabi Conference scheduled to take place in Lahore on November 27.
According to Indian media reports, Mann informed the Punjab state assembly about the invitation on Friday. He expressed his interest in attending the event but also questioned whether India’s government would grant him permission to travel to Pakistan.
Mann referred to previous occasions when he said he was not allowed to travel to France and Japan, using the examples while discussing the possibility of receiving approval for a visit to Lahore.
The Indian Punjab chief minister said he would like to attend the conference if permission was granted. He also indicated that poets and other representatives from Punjab in India would travel to the Pakistani city for the event.
The World Punjabi Conference is expected to bring together people connected with Punjabi language, literature and culture. The participation of representatives from both sides of Punjab could provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and discussions around the shared linguistic heritage of the region.
During the assembly proceedings, the speaker also expressed an interest in accompanying Mann to Lahore if the required permission was granted.
Mann’s comments have brought attention to the planned conference and the travel restrictions that may affect participation from Indian Punjab. His attendance will depend on approval from the Indian government.
The event is scheduled for November 27 in Lahore, with participation from Punjabi writers, poets and other cultural figures expected. Further details about the Indian delegation and travel permissions are likely to emerge closer to the conference.
