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LAHORE, Nov 01 (APP): The Punjab government has finalized all arrangements for the upcoming celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, scheduled to take place from November 3 to 6 in Nankana Sahib.
A high-level delegation, comprising Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and Secretary Home Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, visited Nankana Sahib on Saturday to review the preparations. Commissioner Lahore Division Marryam Khan and RPO Sheikhupura Athar Ismail also accompanied the delegation.
Deputy Commissioner Nankana Sahib Muhammad Tasleem Akhtar Rao and DPO Faraz Ahmad briefed the ministers on security, accommodation, and administrative arrangements for the three-day religious festival. The meeting was attended by administrative officers, peace committee members, and Sikh community representatives.
According to the briefing, more than 5,000 officers and personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Surveillance cameras have been installed, and three control rooms have been set up for round-the-clock monitoring. Facilitation desks, hospitals, and medical teams have been established at all major gurdwaras, while a comprehensive sanitation and food supply plan has also been implemented. Nankana Sahib city will remain free of gas and electricity load-shedding during the celebrations, and all staff leaves have been canceled.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the celebrations will commence with the Akhand Paath ceremony, while the main event will be held on November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, followed by the Nagar Kirtan procession. Around 30,000 Sikh pilgrims are expected to participate, including 2,100 visitors from India who will arrive via the Wagah border. He added that mock security exercises have been completed and all necessary arrangements for the guests’ comfort and safety are in place.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the review visit was conducted under the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who takes a personal interest in events related to religious minorities. He noted that Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is revered by people of all faiths and that the visit symbolized solidarity and harmony with the Sikh community.
The ministers instructed the local administration to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods at fixed prices, effective traffic management, and expansion of facilitation counters at gurdwaras. Khawaja Salman Rafique also directed hospitals in Lahore and Faisalabad to set up dedicated wards for Sikh pilgrims.
Both ministers appreciated the efforts of the district administration and law enforcement agencies, reaffirming that the safety, comfort, and respect of visiting pilgrims remain the Punjab government’s highest priority.