Pakistan Has Set a New Example of Religious Tolerance and Hospitality: Sardar Bhupinder Singh
Pakistan Remains Committed to the Protection and Restoration of Minority Religious Sites: Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman
Main Ceremonies of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela Conclude at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore

Lahore: The central ceremony of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Jor Mela was held at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and India, along with religious leaders, participated in the event. The participants highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in providing facilities to the Sikh community, promoting religious freedom, and strengthening interfaith harmony.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, Secretary General of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardarni Satwant Kaur, Dr. Mumpal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh, and Indian Jatha leaders Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Sardar Harjit Singh Chandok, and Sardar Gurmeet Singh Boh, along with a large number of Sikh pilgrims.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that Pakistan is committed to the protection, restoration, and service of sacred sites belonging to all religions. He said that ETPB had ensured exemplary arrangements for the pilgrims. He further remarked that the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji promote humanity, tolerance, harmony, and selfless service, values that can help foster peace and goodwill around the world.

He added that pilgrims visiting Pakistan from across the globe return as ambassadors of the country, carrying with them a positive image of Pakistan as a peaceful and welcoming nation.

Indian Jatha Leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh, in his address, said that Sikh pilgrims would return home with beautiful memories of Pakistan. He praised the maintenance of Gurdwaras, accommodation, langar services, transportation, medical facilities, and security arrangements. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and ETPB for their outstanding hospitality and respect shown to pilgrims at every stage of their journey.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq stated that Sikhism was born on the soil of Pakistan and that Pakistan remains the first home of the Sikh faith. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan has never prevented Sikh pilgrims from visiting their sacred sites and has always facilitated their religious activities. He noted that comprehensive arrangements, including medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare facilities, had been provided to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.

President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said that ETPB had made exemplary arrangements for the hospitality and comfort of Sikh pilgrims. He expressed gratitude to Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq for their efforts and stated that Pakistan’s doors would always remain open for the Sikh community.

He further remarked that Pakistan holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs and that practical measures are underway for the restoration and development of Gurdwaras and temples across the country. He added that work is currently in progress on the restoration and development of 17 Gurdwaras in the first phase.

Comprehensive security arrangements were made by ETPB, the district administration, and law enforcement agencies. ETPB staff and security personnel remained actively engaged in serving the pilgrims throughout the event. Special arrangements for cleanliness, accommodation, langar, and other facilities were made at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, which were highly appreciated by the visiting Sikh pilgrims.

The pilgrims stated that religious sites in Pakistan are now more beautiful, secure, and peaceful than ever before. They also praised Pakistan’s efforts in promoting interfaith harmony and religious coexistence.

The Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela, will conclude their ten-day pilgrimage and return to India on June 19, 2026.