Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq welcomes pilgrims, says Pakistan issues 737 visas to Sikh devotees
LAHORE:
Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to participate in the 420th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the annual Jor Mela celebrations, marking a significant development in religious ties between Sikh communities of the two neighbouring countries.
The commemorations will be jointly observed by Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and India for the first time in 14 years, following the resolution of long-standing issues related to the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary.
Speaking at the Wagah Border reception ceremony, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said around 700 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan today.
He said Sikh devotees had been waiting for such an opportunity in previous years, and the arrival of the Indian pilgrims this year had created a historic moment. Arora said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and bringing people closer together. He added that Pakistan was not the second but the first home of Sikhs around the world, as the land holds immense religious significance for the Sikh faith.
Referring to a recent award he received in the United States, Arora dedicated the honour to the people of Pakistan and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying it reflected the collective efforts made for the welfare of Sikh pilgrims and the preservation of religious heritage.
Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Parmjeet Singh said issues regarding the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary had persisted for the past 14 years. He appreciated Pakistan for warmly welcoming Sikh pilgrims and facilitating arrangements for the religious events.
Another Sikh leader from India, Gurmeet Singh Gaggi, said a consensus had been reached to jointly commemorate the martyrdom anniversary. He described the gathering of Sikh devotees from both countries after 14 years as a positive and memorable occasion and acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Pakistani authorities.
Speaking to the media, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq welcomed the visiting pilgrims and said Pakistan had issued 737 visas to Indian Sikh devotees for the occasion.
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He said the main ceremony of the martyrdom anniversary and Jor Mela would be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.
Mushtaq said the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had jointly arranged reception facilities at the Wagah Border. In view of the intense heat, cold drinking water, refreshments and other facilities had been provided for the pilgrims.
He added that special measures had been taken to expedite immigration and customs clearance procedures. The pilgrims were later transported to Nankana Sahib in special buses.
According to officials, all relevant departments have completed arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of religious rituals and events and to provide the pilgrims with the best possible facilities during their stay in Pakistan.
