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.

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.