Arrangements for the 556th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Important meeting held at the Head Office of ETPB under the chairmanship of Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chohan
Chairman’s visit to Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore to review administrative arrangements

An important meeting was held at the Head Office of the Evacuee Trust Property Board under the chairmanship of Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chohan, to review arrangements for the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

During the meeting, Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, briefed that final arrangements were being made for the facilitation of Sikh pilgrims, including accommodation, security, transportation, and hospitality. He added that all possible steps will be taken to ensure the pilgrims are warmly welcomed.

Chairman ETPB Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chohan directed that clean and well-maintained accommodation, quality food, medical facilities, and transport services must be provided to the yatrees. He emphasized that close coordination with police and other relevant institutions should be maintained to ensure pilgrims can perform their religious rituals without fear or difficulty.

A special administrative meeting will also be held on October 2 at the ETPB Head Office, where all concerned departments will participate to finalize the arrangements for the yatrees arriving from India and across the globe.

The central ceremony of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 556th birth anniversary will be held on November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib with great devotion and reverence, where Sikh pilgrims from all over the world will participate in the religious rituals.

In this regard, Chairman ETPB along with Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq visited Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, where Secretary Board Fareed Iqbal, XEN, and SD Technical were also present. They reviewed the ongoing arrangements and directed that no effort should be spared in serving the yatrees. The Chairman also inspected the proposed site for the “Guru Nanak Village” and instructed the Administrator to give special attention to its preparations.

Furthermore, the Chairman visited Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore, where he stressed upon ensuring foolproof security arrangements, proper lighting and electricity supply, provision of clean drinking water, cleanliness, parking facilities, and other conveniences for the pilgrims.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has approved the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Program worth Rs. 5 million for Hindu and Sikh students.

Chairman ETPB, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, approved the release of payments for the third and fourth quarters in line with the decision of the Board’s 353rd meeting. In this regard, a meeting was held at the Board’s head office in Lahore under the chairmanship of Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, which was attended by Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Secretary Pakistan Model Educational Institutions Foundation Sanaullah Khan, Chief Controller Accounts Adeel Ahmed, and other officials.

According to the decision, students will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 10,000 to help them continue their education despite financial challenges. The initiative aims to provide higher education opportunities to minority youth and promote educational growth among them.

Sardar Mahan Singh’s Samadhi affected by rains – Timely action by the Evacuee Trust Property Board
Decision to ensure preservation of historic heritage
Consultant to be hired for restoration and repair of Samadhi

Due to recent heavy rains, a portion of Sardar Mahan Singh’s Samadhi located in Sheranwala Bagh, Gujranwala, has collapsed. Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported. Immediately after the incident, officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, accompanied by a technical team, visited the site and ensured safety measures around the building. A consultant will be hired for the restoration and repair of the Samadhi to preserve this historical heritage.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board has requested the district administration to temporarily relocate the classes of the school adjacent to the Samadhi to another building, in order to protect students and staff from any potential hazards. During this period, relevant authorities will continue monitoring the safety arrangements.

Sardar Mahan Singh, the father of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and a prominent leader of the Sikh community, is regarded as a significant figure in the history of the subcontinent and Sikh heritage. The restoration of his Samadhi holds exceptional importance at the international level.