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.

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.

Pakistan is a peace-loving country that cares for minorities, say Indian Sikh pilgrims**
Pilgrims express gratitude to the Chairman ETPB and administration

Lahore
Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan on the occasion of the Vaisakhi Festival expressed their views, stating that Pakistan is a peaceful country that loves and respects minorities. They expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s hospitality and thanked the Government of Pakistan for making excellent arrangements.

On the fourth day of their visit, the pilgrims performed their religious rituals at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal. The main Vaisakhi ceremony will be held tomorrow, April 14.

On the special directives of Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board, Qamar-uz-Zaman, the best possible facilities have been provided to the pilgrims. According to Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, security, accommodation, and medical facilities have been further improved, while Gurdwara Panja Sahib has been beautifully decorated with colorful lights.

Security remains on high alert in and around Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The district administration, police, health department, and officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board are actively engaged in serving the pilgrims. The visiting Sikh pilgrims also paid their respects at the shrine of Baba Peer Wali Kandhari.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, along with ambassadors from Canada and the United Nations, and other dignitaries will attend the main ceremony.

The Sikh pilgrims reiterated that Pakistan is a peaceful and loving country and appreciated the arrangements made for them, expressing their heartfelt thanks to the Government of Pakistan.

According to the scheduled itinerary, the pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on April 15, and on April 17, they will visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib Eminabad before returning to Lahore.

Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Vaisakhi Mela celebrations.

Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, warmly received the pilgrims at the Wagah Border.

“Pakistan is a peace-loving country,” said the Indian Jatha leader while speaking at

Lahore ( ): Under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via Wagah Border to attend the Vaisakhi Mela and the 327th Khalsa Janam Din celebrations.

At Wagah Check Post, Provincial Minister and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Additional Secretary Shrines, Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq, received the Indian Sikh pilgrims.

While extending greetings on the occasion of Vaisakhi, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Pakistan is the sacred land of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, where followers of all religions enjoy complete religious freedom.

He further added that despite strained relations between Pakistan and India, more than 2,800 Sikh pilgrims were issued visas, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to peace and religious harmony.

Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said that, under the directives of the Federal Government and Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman, comprehensive arrangements have been made for the pilgrims, including accommodation, langar (food), transportation, and medical facilities. He emphasized that foolproof security arrangements have also been ensured, and comfortable buses have been provided for travel.

The Jatha leader from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Surjit Singh, stated that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and Sikhs from around the world wish to visit it. He appreciated the respect and hospitality extended to Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan.

Jatha leaders expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, stating that allowing pilgrims to visit despite border tensions is a commendable step.

Pilgrims arriving from various regions of India, including Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, were served tea and refreshments by the ETPB administration at Wagah Border after immigration and customs clearance.

The pilgrims were transported in three groups to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib. After a two-day stay in Nankana Sahib, they will proceed to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, wh

ere the main Vaisakhi ceremony will be held on April 14.

A high-level administrative meeting was held at the Punjab Home Department under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, to review arrangements for the upcoming Vaisakhi Mela and Khalsa Janam Din celebrations.

Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and Provincial Minister and Pardhan of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, attended the meeting. Additional Secretary Shrines, ETPB, Nasir Mushtaq, gave a detailed briefing on arrangements for the pilgrims. Secretary Home Punjab, Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, and the Special Secretary Home also participated in the meeting.

During the briefing, it was informed that Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world will participate in the Vaisakhi celebrations. Under the bilateral agreement, 3,000 pilgrims from India will arrive in Pakistan on April 10. The main ceremony will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal. Pilgrims will visit various religious sites including Nankana Sahib, Farooqabad Sheikhupura, Kartarpur, Eminabad, and Lahore. Foolproof security, quality medical facilities, and excellent transport arrangements will be ensured for the pilgrims.