A high-level coordination meeting was held at the Headquarters of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to review arrangements for the 557th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. The meeting was chaired by Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq.
Deputy Secretary Saadat Shehbaz Khan and Deputy Secretary Syed Faraz Abbas were also present. Senior officers and representatives of the Rangers, Customs, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sui Gas and other relevant departments, along with District Police Officers (DPOs), Deputy Commissioners, representatives of the Press Information Department (PID), and other administrative institutions of the concerned districts, attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed in detail the arrangements for Sikh pilgrims, including foolproof security, accommodation, Langar, transportation, medical facilities, provision of clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity and gas supply, and other necessary facilities.
Following the meeting, Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq briefed media representatives and said that the Government of Pakistan is fully prepared to host Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other parts of the world.
Secretary Nasir Mushtaq stated that Sikh pilgrims would arrive in Pakistan through the Wagah Border on 22 November, where they would be warmly welcomed. The main ceremony marking the 557th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be held in Nankana Sahib on 24 November.
He said that all relevant departments and institutions had assured their full cooperation with the ETPB to ensure the provision of the best possible facilities to Sikh pilgrims.
Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq said that high-quality air-conditioned buses would be provided for Sikh pilgrims, while medical staff and necessary healthcare facilities would be available at all residential locations.
He further stated that mineral water would be specially provided to ensure a safe and adequate supply of clean drinking water to the pilgrims.
For the convenience of the pilgrims, State Bank of Pakistan-approved currency exchange facilities would be established at designated locations and would be properly monitored to ensure transparency and convenience.
Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said that the best possible arrangements would be made for the accommodation and Langar of Sikh pilgrims. He added that the relevant departments would ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity and Sui gas during the pilgrims’ stay.
He further informed that a dedicated Rescue 1122 ambulance would accompany every convoy of 20 buses to provide immediate emergency medical assistance. Police, Rangers, Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions would remain fully mobilized to ensure the safety, security and comfort of the Sikh pilgrims.
Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq expressed confidence that Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan would return with valued memories of Pakistan’s warm hospitality, love, respect and goodwill.
