Meeting for the Arrangements of Vaisakhi Festival & Khalsa janam din
A meeting for the arrangements for the 327th Vaisakhi Festival and Khalsa janamdin was held at the Head Office of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
The meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary (Shrines), ETPB, Mr. Nasir Mushtaq. Representatives from Police, Rangers, Customs, Immigration, Rescue 1122, Sui Gas, Health Department, District Police Officer, and district and provincial administrative authorities attended the meeting.
During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of the arrival of Sikh pilgrims, their accommodation and meals, performance of religious rituals, travel facilities, and foolproof security arrangements.
While talking to media representatives, Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq stated that Pakistan, as always, will warmly host Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other parts of the world. He added that all relevant departments are working shoulder to shoulder with the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to ensure the provision of the best possible facilities.
He further said that medical facilities, accommodation, meals, and transport services for the pilgrims are being further improved, and for this purpose, the best air-conditioned buses will be provided. Continuous supply of electricity, gas, and efficient immigration services will also be ensured. Medical facilities will be available at all residential locations for the pilgrims, while six special Rescue 1122 ambulances will accompany the pilgrims’ bus convoys.
On the occasion of Vaisakhi, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, and other religious sites will be beautifully illuminated and decorated.
Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq informed the media that under the bilateral agreement, 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year to participate in the Vaisakhi Festival and Khalsa Birth Anniversary celebrations. According to the approved schedule, pilgrims will arrive in Pakistan via the Wagah Border on 10 April, where they will be accorded a warm and comfortable reception.
Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Malaysia, Australia, and other countries, will arrive in Pakistan through Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Protection of Minority Religious Sites and Trust Properties Is Our Top Priority: Qamar Zaman
Transparency, Accountability, and Merit Will Be Ensured at Every Level: Chairman ETPB
Newly Appointed Chairman Addresses Officers at Head Office After Assuming Charge
Lahore:
The newly appointed Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Qamar Uz Zaman, has formally assumed the responsibilities of his office. An introductory meeting chaired by the Chairman was held at the Head Office, 9 Court Street, with all branch heads in attendance. During the meeting, Secretary Board Farid Iqbal provided a detailed briefing to the Chairman on the performance of various departments, administrative affairs, and ongoing projects of the Board.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Admin Sanaullah Khan, along with heads of all branches. The Chairman was briefed on the performance of departments including Estates, Shrines, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Administration, as well as the challenges faced and future objectives.
In his first meeting after assuming office, Chairman Qamar Uz Zaman stated that the protection, restoration, and effective management of gurdwaras, temples, religious sites, and evacuee properties under the administration of the Evacuee Trust Property Board would be given top priority. He clearly emphasized that transparency, accountability, and merit would be ensured at every level.
Highlighting the importance of teamwork to improve the overall performance of the institution, the Chairman urged all officers and employees to work together in a spirit of mutual cooperation so that the Board’s objectives could be achieved effectively. He described improvements in the Human Resources (HR) system as an urgent need of the time, stating that practical measures would be taken for professional training of staff, performance-based evaluations, and employee welfare to build a strong and efficient institution.
Chairman Qamar Uz Zaman further directed all branches to adopt the principles of transparency, discipline, and responsibility in their affairs and to play an active role in transforming the institution into a modern, efficient, and accountable organization.