Addressing a press conference via video link at the Lahore Press Club, Pannun claimed that 18,000 Sikh farmers had died by suicide due to heavy debts. He did not provide supporting evidence for the claim during the briefing.
Pannun said his group was pursuing political change through voting and announced that a referendum on the establishment of Khalistan would be held in the United States on August 16. He said Sikhs living in the US and other countries would be able to participate in the voting process.
He also congratulated Pakistanis on Independence Day and praised Pakistan's role on the international stage, saying the country was playing an important role in global affairs.