Over 600 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrive for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary

LAHORE, Jun 10 (APP): More than 600 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to participate in the commemorative events marking the martyrdom anniversary (Jor Mela) of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

The pilgrims were received at the Wagah Border by Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora.

Comprehensive arrangements were made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and other relevant authorities to facilitate the visiting devotees. Special provisions, including langar services, medical assistance, immigration facilitation, guidance services and security arrangements, were put in place to ensure a comfortable and dignified stay for the pilgrims.

Talking on the occasion, Ramesh Singh Arora said the Government of Pakistan and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif remained committed to promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and the protection of minority rights. He said Pakistan was a homeland of great spiritual significance for Sikhs and that pilgrims were being provided with a peaceful, secure and welcoming environment to perform their religious obligations at their sacred sites.

He said the arrival of Sikh pilgrims from India reflected the spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and people-to-people contacts between the two countries. He added that the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji continued to inspire humanity through their message of peace, tolerance, selfless service and love for mankind.

The minister appreciated the arrangements made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board and said all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the pilgrims’ comfortable stay, security, transportation and healthcare. He added that the visiting pilgrims were esteemed guests of Pakistan and that their dignity, convenience and safety remained a top priority.

During their 10-day stay, the pilgrims will visit the Sikh holy sites of Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, among others. The main ceremony commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.