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.