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LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP):A spiritual and dignified central religious ceremony was held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, on the martyrdom day of the fifth Sikh Guru, Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
A large number of Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and abroad, along with the local Sikh Sangat, attended the event.
The ceremony was graced by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, members of PSGPC and Sikh community.
During the ceremony, religious rites including Kirtan, Ardas, and other spiritual practices were performed with great devotion and participation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said that Baba Guru Arjan Dev Ji preached truth, religious harmony, peace, tolerance, and humanity. His martyrdom stands as a timeless symbol of sacrifice for religious freedom and truth. He emphasised that religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy full freedom, and the government is taking serious steps for the upkeep and restoration of their sacred sites. He announced that the Punjab government has allocated a budget for the restoration of 15 Gurdwaras.
Ramesh Singh Arora criticised the Indian government for not allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan, saying this decision has hurt the sentiments of Sikhs worldwide. He affirmed that Pakistan is like a second home for the Sikh community. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from Pakistan’s side, and the Pakistani government has imposed no restrictions on visas for Indian Sikh pilgrims, added Arora. He expressed hope that Indian Sikhs would be able to visit Pakistan on the upcoming death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, stated that Pakistan had made comprehensive arrangements for Sikh pilgrims, including red carpet welcome, accommodation, medical facilities, and security. He reiterated that Pakistan has always kept its doors of goodwill open and the Kartarpur Corridor remains operational. He assured that the government of Pakistan is always ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims, and the protection and promotion of their sacred sites will remain a top priority.
The ceremony concluded with a communal meal (Langar), in which all participants took part collectively.