About 350 Indian Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 187th death anniversary commemoration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A group of 346 visitors crossed the Wagah Border on Sunday and were officially welcomed by Punjab Minorities Minister and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Representatives from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and other Sikh organizations were also present at the border ceremony.
Minister Highlights Hospitality and Peaceful Coexistence
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Pakistan had issued visas to 438 Indian Sikh citizens for the anniversary. However, he noted that some pilgrims from Uttarakhand had reportedly been unable to obtain permission to travel from India. He emphasized that people of different faiths live together in Pakistan with peace and harmony, and that Sikh pilgrims receive support and hospitality at every level. The minister also announced that the guests would be taken on tours of Lahore's historical sites during their visit.
Schedule Includes Sacred Sites and Main Ceremony
Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary for Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said the group would visit Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, and other sacred sites. The main anniversary ceremony is scheduled to be organized at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 29. ETPB Chairman Qamaruz Zaman added that 17 gurdwaras across Punjab are currently open to pilgrims, while restoration and renovation work is underway at around 50 others. He noted that a significant number of young Sikh community members are participating in this year's visit, reflecting the younger generation's growing connection with its religious heritage.
Pilgrims Express Gratitude and Spiritual Peace
One of the visitors, Harbhajan Singh, said the love and respect shown by the people of Pakistan was commendable and that visiting the country brought a sense of spiritual peace. Manpreet Kaur from Amritsar remarked that people of Pakistan have always welcomed Sikh visitors with warmth. The visit underscores the ongoing cultural and religious ties between the two neighboring nations.
