Lahore: The arrival of Sikh pilgrims from around the world for the annual Baisakhi festival in Pakistan has begun, with more than 7,000 pilgrims expected to participate — the highest number in history. A large contingent of Sikh pilgrims from India has already reached the Wagah Border.
Punjab provincial ministers and representatives from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) welcomed the pilgrims at the border. The Punjab government has made special security arrangements for the visiting Sikh community.
Security preparations for the festival have been completed by the Pakistan Rangers, police, and other law enforcement agencies. Pilgrims are being transported from the Wagah Border to Nankana Sahib under tight security. Students and teachers from local schools greeted the arriving guests with flower bouquets. Given the warm weather, cold drinks such as Ruh Afza and Ispaghol sherbet were served to the pilgrims.
According to Additional Secretary Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar, comprehensive arrangements have been made for the pilgrims' stay, including food, transport, and medical facilities. The Government of Pakistan has issued a record 6,751 visas to Sikh pilgrims.
He added that an additional 3,751 visas were granted on special request by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and the ETPB, surpassing the original schedule.
Jatha leader Ravinder Singh praised the Pakistani government for issuing such a large number of visas, saying it has won the hearts of the Sikh community. Another leader, Daljit Singh Sarna, said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and Sikhs from around the world wish to visit.
Indian pilgrims expressed their appreciation, noting the immense respect and honor they receive in Pakistan.
According to the ETPB spokesperson, pilgrims have arrived from 11 Indian states, including Amritsar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Due to the high number of visitors, the group has been divided into two batches.
The first group will travel from Wagah Border to Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, while the second group will head to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.
[Courtesy Dawn]
