Sikh pilgrims from India, who had arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Shaheedi Gurpurab (Jor Mela) celebrations of Guru Arjan Dev Ji under the arrangements of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, departed for India via the Wagah Border after completing their 10-day religious pilgrimage.

On this occasion, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, PSGPC Secretary General Sawanat Kaur, and other officials bid farewell to the pilgrims at the Wagah Border.

Speaking at the border, Indian Jatha Leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh said that they were returning home carrying Pakistan’s message of love, peace, and religious harmony. He remarked that Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan are safer and more beautiful than ever before. He thanked Chairman ETPB, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and the Government of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and respect shown to the pilgrims.

Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan continues to ensure the protection, preservation, and beautification of Sikh sacred sites while providing the best possible hospitality to visiting pilgrims.

PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that although Sikhs are a minority in Pakistan, the global Sikh community remains deeply connected to Pakistan’s sacred religious heritage. He added that Pakistan has always treated the Sikh community with dignity and respect.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said that Sikhs from India and across the world are eager to visit Pakistan’s holy religious sites. He added that the administration remains committed to serving and hosting Sikh pilgrims at all times. He further informed that another group of Sikh pilgrims from India would arrive in Pakistan through the Wagah Border on 21 June to participate in the death anniversary ceremonies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Before departing, the Sikh pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board for the excellent arrangements, including transportation, medical facilities, accommodation, langar services, and security. Carrying cherished memories of their visit, they left Pakistan with heavy hearts and warm feelings of affection and goodwill.