Pakistan committed to Protection,  Restoration of Minority Religious Sites, says Qamar uz Zaman

ISLAMABAD, Jun 16 (APP):ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman Main Ceremonies of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela Concluded at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.

The main ceremony of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Jor Mela was held at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. Sikh pilgrims and religious leaders from Pakistan and India participated in the event. The participants highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and the facilities provided to the Sikh community.

The ceremony was attended by ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, Secretary General of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Satwant Kaur, Dr. Mumpal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh, and Indian Jatha leaders Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Sardar Harjit Singh Chaddok, and Sardar Gurmeet Singh Boh, along with a large number of Sikh pilgrims.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman stated that Pakistan remains committed to the protection, restoration, and service of the sacred places of all religions. He said that the ETPB had ensured exemplary arrangements for the pilgrims. He further noted that the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji promote humanity, tolerance, harmony, and selfless service, values that can help foster peace and love across 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 globally.

Indian Jatha 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. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and the ETPB for their hospitality and for treating the pilgrims with respect and dignity at every stage of their journey.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq remarked that Sikhism originated on the land of Pakistan and that Pakistan remains the first home of the Sikh community. He emphasized that Pakistan has never prevented Sikh pilgrims from visiting the country to perform their religious rites. In line with federal government directives, comprehensive arrangements were made for the pilgrims, including medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare facilities to ensure a peaceful and comfortable pilgrimage experience.

President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, stated that the ETPB had provided exemplary hospitality and facilities for Sikh pilgrims. He expressed special gratitude to Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, noting that Pakistan’s doors are always open to the Sikh community. He said Pakistan holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs and that practical measures are underway for the restoration and preservation of gurdwaras and temples across the country. According to him, restoration and development work is currently focused on 17 gurdwaras in the initial phase.

On this occasion, foolproof security arrangements were made by the ETPB, district administration, and law enforcement agencies. Board staff and security personnel remained actively engaged in facilitating the pilgrims. Special arrangements for cleanliness, accommodation, langar services, and other amenities were made at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, which received appreciation from the visiting Indian Sikh pilgrims.

The Sikh pilgrims expressed satisfaction that religious sites in Pakistan have become more beautiful, secure, and peaceful than ever before. They also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony. The Indian Sikh pilgrims who participated in the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela celebrations will conclude their ten-day pilgrimage and depart for their homeland on June 19.