Under the administration of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sikh pilgrims from India—around two thousand in total—currently on a 10-day religious pilgrimage to Pakistan, visited Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The pilgrims performed their religious rituals with deep devotion and reverence.

During their stay in Lahore, the Sikh yatrees also visited Gurdwara Singh Singhania, Gurdwara Chhatti Padshahi, Gurdwara Guru Ram Das, and the Dayal Singh Library, and paid their respects at the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir (RA). They also enjoyed shopping in Anarkali Bazaar.

The Indian Sikh pilgrims expressed complete satisfaction over the excellent arrangements made by the ETPB and the district administration, saying that they felt the same love and comfort in Pakistan as in their own homes. They added that Pakistan has preserved their gurdwaras with great affection, sincerity, and respect, and that the warmth of the people reminded them of the true message of humanity.

According to Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, excellent arrangements have been made for the pilgrims’ accommodation, meals, transport, and medical facilities. Medical teams from Rescue 1122 and the ETPB are accompanying the yatrees. Electric generators have been provided to deal with load-shedding, while clean, new bedding has been arranged in beautifully decorated marquees and rooms for their stay. Gurdwara Dera Sahib has been adorned with decorative lights, and foolproof security arrangements are in place.

The Sikh yatrees will return to India through the Wagah Border on November 13, after completing their 10-day religious visit.