ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (Alliance News): A second group of 337 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived in Pakistan through the Wagah Border to participate in the annual death anniversary commemorations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The visiting pilgrims were warmly welcomed by officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). The reception ceremony was attended by ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas, and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora appreciated the arrangements made by the ETPB for the pilgrims, including accommodation, meals, and other facilities. He said the participation of a large number of young Sikh pilgrims reflected their strong connection with their religious heritage and historical places of worship.
ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman said Pakistan continues to take practical steps to promote religious tourism, interfaith harmony, and respect for different faiths. He stated that Sikh pilgrims were being provided a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment throughout their stay.
He added that the ETPB remains committed to preserving, protecting, and improving minority places of worship across Pakistan, ensuring that religious communities can perform their rituals with dignity and ease.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said comprehensive arrangements had been made for the visiting pilgrims, including security, transportation, accommodation, langar (community meals), medical assistance, mineral water, and other essential services.
He said Rescue 1122 vehicles and ambulances had also been deployed along the pilgrimage routes to ensure immediate assistance in case of any emergency.
Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee appreciated the hospitality and arrangements provided by the Government of Pakistan. They thanked Pakistani authorities for promoting religious freedom, cultural exchanges, and interfaith harmony.
The main ceremony marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be held on June 29 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and different countries are expected to participate in the commemorative event.
