Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India entered Pakistan through the Wagah Border on Wednesday to participate in the annual Jore Mela, commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. The visitors were warmly received by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and representatives of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Message of Peace and Harmony
Speaking on the occasion, Arora emphasized that Pakistan's soil carries a message of peace, religious harmony, and interfaith coexistence. He confirmed that visas had been issued to all Sikh devotees who applied to attend the religious gathering.
Historic Arrival and Arrangements
ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq noted that the arrival of such a large number of pilgrims for the event is being witnessed for the first time in 14 years. He stated that comprehensive arrangements have been made for the guests, including accommodation, transport, medical facilities, and security. Authorities also introduced special measures to protect pilgrims from the ongoing heatwave, and CCTV monitoring systems have been installed to ensure enhanced security throughout the event.
Delegation Leaders Express Gratitude
Leaders of the visiting Sikh delegation, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh, described Pakistan as their second home and said the Sikh holy sites in the country hold deep spiritual importance for their community. They expressed satisfaction with the hospitality provided by Pakistani authorities and hoped that peace, goodwill, and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and India would continue to grow stronger.
The main Jore Mela ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.
