Punjab Minister for Minorities and Head of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) Ramesh Singh Arora has ordered for making better arrangements for Sikh yatrees’ accommodation, travel, and security while relevant departments have to provide services round-the-clock. He expressed these views while charging consultative meeting in Dera Sahib after his visit on Friday.
He told the members of PSGPC that in a significant gesture of religious harmony, the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has issued visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims in anticipation of the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth guru of Sikhs. The minister was briefed that pilgrims are scheduled to cross into Pakistan via Wagah border crossing on June 8, marking a poignant moment of cross-border cultural and religious exchange. The primary commemorative ceremony is set to take place on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, a site of deep historical and spiritual significance, where Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred in 1606.
The minister directed that a warm reception should be planned at the Wagah border, underscoring the importance of this event in fostering goodwill. This year’s events not only commemorate the profound legacy of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, but also reinforce the cultural and spiritual bonds between the Sikh community and Pakistan, highlighting the nation’s commitment to preserving and respecting its diverse religious heritage. Members of PSGPC and ETPB were also present.
Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India would arrive in Pakistan via Wagah border crossing on Saturday (today) to participate in connection with observance of martyrdom day of the fifth Guru of Sikhism Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Members of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and senior officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) will welcome them. The main event would be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.
The ETPB has completed all necessary arrangements for accommodation, security and transportation of Sikh guests coming from India and around the world. Generators will be available during load-shedding and CCTV cameras had been installed for foolproof security. Excellent arrangements had been made for accommodation, transportation, and medical facilities. On June 8, the pilgrims would travel from Lahore to Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, where they would stay for a day. On June 10, they will proceed from Hassan Abdal to Nankana Sahib, and during their stay at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, they will visit Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad on June 11 before returning to Janam Asthan Nankana for the night. On June 12, the pilgrims will go from Nankana Sahib to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal, stay for a day, and then travel to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad on June 14, finally returning to Lahore.
The central ceremony commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will be held on June 16th at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
