Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kheal Das Kohistani, has said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) is effectively fulfilling its responsibility of preserving, restoring and maintaining historic temples, Gurdwaras and religious heritage, while extending exemplary hospitality and services to pilgrims visiting Pakistan from around the world.

He stated that, in line with the directions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, effective measures will be taken to ensure the prompt resolution of all administrative and legal issues faced by the Board.

He made these remarks after receiving a detailed briefing during his visit to the ETPB Head Office. Upon his arrival, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman welcomed the Minister of State.

During the briefing, Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman apprised the Minister of the Board’s administrative and financial challenges. He stated that the absence of a fully constituted Board has created difficulties in carrying out administrative affairs efficiently. He further informed the Minister that the deduction of Rs. 2 billion in taxes by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) from the Trust Institution’s accounts has caused significant financial constraints, adversely affecting the Board’s annual revenue.

On the occasion, the Minister of State assured that the issues faced by the ETPB in its capacity as a trust institution—particularly tax deductions and other administrative challenges—would be addressed on a priority basis. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to finding effective and sustainable solutions to strengthen the Board, enabling it to perform its religious, social and welfare responsibilities for minority communities more effectively.

Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq, while briefing the Minister, informed him that restoration and conservation work is currently underway at Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, Peshawar; Gurdwara Bhai Karam Singh, Jhelum; Gurdwara Panja Sahib; and Baoli Mandir, Narowal. He further stated that a comprehensive master plan is also being prepared for the restoration of Sadhu Bela Mandir, Sukkur.

The Secretary further highlighted that, as part of the Board’s modernization initiatives, advanced technologies including satellite imagery, e-Office, online billing, geo-tagging, Management Information System (MIS), e-Billing, and technological support from SUPARCO have been introduced to improve governance and operational efficiency.

Nasir Mushtaq also informed the Minister that the Evacuee Trust Property Board has undertaken effective operations against the land mafia to recover valuable trust properties, resulting in the successful retrieval of numerous high-value properties from illegal occupants.

163rd Death Anniversary of Baba Bankhandi Maharaj Commemorated at Sadhu Bela Temple

Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman Attends as Chief Guest

Government of Pakistan is Taking Robust Measures to Protect Minority Sacred Sites and Ensure Excellent Arrangements for Religious Festivals, says Qamar-uz-Zaman

The central commemorative ceremony marking the 163rd death anniversary of the revered Hindu spiritual leader Baba Bankhandi Maharaj was held with great devotion and reverence at the historic and sacred Sadhu Bela Temple, situated in the middle of the Indus River and administered by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was attended by Secretary ETPB, Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq, Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee Krishan Sharma, along with Hindu community leaders, pilgrims, and devotees from Sindh and other parts of the country. The religious gathering featured special prayers (Pooja), devotional hymns (Bhajans), and other traditional Hindu religious rituals.

Addressing the participants, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring religious freedom for minorities, protecting their sacred places of worship, and making the best possible arrangements for their religious events. He said that the annual ceremony at Sadhu Bela Temple reflects Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, and the protection of minority rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Krishan Sharma, Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Mandir Management Committee, appreciated the excellent arrangements made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board for the pilgrims, including accommodation, community meals (Langar), transportation, boat services, medical facilities, sanitation, and other essential services. He said that the Hindu community highly appreciated these efforts and expressed gratitude to the ETPB and the Government of Pakistan.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board, in coordination with the district administration and law enforcement agencies, also ensured comprehensive security arrangements throughout the event, enabling the ceremony to conclude peacefully and smoothly.

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.