Sikh pilgrims arrive for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations

LAHORE: Around 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Wagah Border on Tuesday to participate in the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

A warm and colourful welcome awaited the pilgrims, with flower bouquets presented by President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq.

Speaking to the media at Wagah, Jathedar of Akal Takht Kaldeep Singh Gargaj said “Sikh pilgrims are always received with great respect in Pakistan.” He appreciated the preservation of Gurdwaras in their original form and thanked the Government of Pakistan, the ETPB, and the PSGPC for their continued efforts. Jatha leader Ravinder Singh from the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee and members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for issuing visas, calling it “the land of our Gurus,” deeply revered by the Sikh community.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the warm reception of the pilgrims reflects Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and the protection of minority rights. “Our Sikh guests always leave with cherished memories of their visit,” he added. Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said foolproof security and comprehensive facilities have been arranged under the supervision of the ETPB and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “Dedicated teams are providing quality transport, medical support, and hospitality services, while Rescue 1122 staff will accompany the convoys,” he stated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025