Lahore, June 10
More than 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to participate in the annual commemorative events marking the martyrdom anniversary (Jor Mela) of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The pilgrims were warmly welcomed at the Wagah Border by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Additional Secretary Shrines, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Nasir Mushtaq, senior ETPB officials, PSGPC representatives, and members of the local Sikh community.
The visiting pilgrims entered Pakistan under the bilateral religious pilgrimage arrangements and were received with flower bouquets and traditional hospitality. The arrival ceremony reflected the deep religious and cultural significance attached to Sikh pilgrimages to Pakistan, which is home to several of Sikhism’s most sacred sites.
Comprehensive arrangements have been made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, the Punjab Government, and other relevant departments to facilitate the pilgrims throughout their stay. These arrangements include accommodation, transportation, langar (community kitchen) services, medical assistance, immigration facilitation, guidance centers, and enhanced security measures to ensure a comfortable and dignified pilgrimage experience.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, remains committed to promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, and the protection of minority rights.
He emphasized that Pakistan holds a unique and sacred place in Sikh history and faith.“Pakistan is not the second but the first home of the Sikh community in terms of its religious heritage. We are honored to welcome Sikh pilgrims from across the border and are committed to providing them with a peaceful, secure, and respectful environment to perform their religious obligations,” he said.
The minister noted that the arrival of Sikh pilgrims from India reflects the spirit of goodwill, mutual respect, and people-to-people connectivity between the two neighboring countries. He added that religious tourism and pilgrimage exchanges play an important role in fostering understanding and strengthening bonds between communities.
Highlighting the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sardar Arora said that the fifth Sikh Guru’s message of peace, tolerance, humility, sacrifice, and service to humanity continues to inspire millions of people around the world. He stated that these teachings are especially relevant in today’s world and serve as a guiding light for promoting harmony and coexistence among people of different faiths.
Additional Secretary Shrines ETPB Nasir Mushtaq also welcomed the pilgrims and assured them that all necessary arrangements had been finalized for their stay, transportation, healthcare, and security. He said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board remains fully committed to facilitating Sikh pilgrims and ensuring that they are able to visit their holy sites in a comfortable, secure, and spiritually fulfilling environment.
He added that dedicated teams of ETPB officials and volunteers have been deployed at various gurdwaras and transit points to assist pilgrims throughout their visit.
The minister appreciated the efforts of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, district administrations, law enforcement agencies, and other departments involved in organizing the pilgrimage. He said every possible measure had been taken to ensure the pilgrims’ convenience and safety.
“All visiting pilgrims are our esteemed guests. Their dignity, comfort, and security remain our highest priorities,” he added.
During their ten-day stay in Pakistan, the pilgrims will visit several sacred Sikh shrines, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji; Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal; Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur; and other historically significant gurdwaras across Punjab.
The main ceremony commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, where thousands of local and international Sikh devotees are expected to gather for prayers, kirtan, and religious observances.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of Sikhism, is revered for compiling the first edition of the Adi Granth and for his unwavering commitment to faith, justice, and humanity. His martyrdom is regarded as one of the most significant events in Sikh history and is commemorated annually by Sikh communities around the world.
The annual pilgrimage serves as a symbol of religious freedom, cultural heritage preservation, and Pakistan’s continued efforts to facilitate Sikh pilgrims from around the globe, reinforcing the enduring spiritual connection between the Sikh community and their sacred sites in Pakistan.
Report By
Ali Imran Chattha