Main Ceremonies of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela Conclude at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore
Lahore: Pakistan Sets a New Example of Religious Tolerance and Hospitality: Sardar Bhupinder Singh
Pakistan Committed to the Protection and Restoration of Minority Religious Sites: Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman
Lahore: The main ceremony of the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, was held at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The event was attended by Sikh pilgrims, religious leaders, and dignitaries from Pakistan and India. Participants highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and the extensive facilities provided to the Sikh community.
The ceremony was attended by Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board Qamar-uz-Zaman, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Minister for Minorities Affairs & Human Rights Punjab, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, PSGPC Secretary General Satwant Kaur, Dr. Mumpal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh, and Indian Sikh delegation leaders Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Sardar Harjit Singh Chandok, and Sardar Gurmeet Singh Boh, along with a large number of Sikh pilgrims.
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President PSGPC and Minister for Minorities Affairs & Human Rights Punjab, said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board had provided exemplary facilities and hospitality for Sikh pilgrims. He expressed special gratitude to Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq for their dedicated efforts. He stated that Pakistan’s doors are always open to the Sikh community and that the country holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs worldwide. He further noted that practical steps are being taken for the restoration and development of gurdwaras and temples across Pakistan, with restoration and development work initially focused on 17 gurdwaras.
Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that Pakistan remains fully committed to the protection, restoration, and service of sacred sites belonging to all religions. He highlighted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board had ensured exemplary arrangements for pilgrims. He further noted that the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji promote humanity, tolerance, patience, and selfless service, values that can help foster peace and harmony throughout the world. He added that pilgrims visiting Pakistan return to their countries as ambassadors of goodwill, helping to project Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image internationally.
Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh said that Sikh pilgrims would return home with wonderful memories of Pakistan. He praised the maintenance of gurdwaras, accommodation, langar services, transportation, medical facilities, and security arrangements, describing them as highly commendable. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board for their hospitality and respect shown to pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage. He remarked that Pakistan has set a new example of religious tolerance, respect, and hospitality for minorities.
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 community. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan has never prevented Sikh pilgrims from visiting the country to perform their religious rites. In line with federal government directives, the best possible arrangements were made for pilgrims, including medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare facilities to ensure a peaceful and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Comprehensive security arrangements were made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, district administration, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Board officials, staff members, and security personnel remained actively engaged in serving the pilgrims throughout the celebrations. Special arrangements were made at Gurdwara Dera Sahib for cleanliness, accommodation, langar services, and other facilities, all of which received appreciation from the visiting Sikh pilgrims.
The pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the improvements made to religious sites in Pakistan, noting that they have become more beautiful, secure, and peaceful than ever before. They also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony and religious coexistence, describing them as commendable.
The Indian Sikh pilgrims participating in the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela will complete their ten-day pilgrimage and depart for India on June 19, 2026, carrying with them cherished memories of their spiritual journey and the warm hospitality extended by the people and Government of Pakistan.
Report By .
Ali Imran Chattha