Lahore: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has completed comprehensive arrangements for two significant Sikh religious observances: the Shaheedi Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Facilities have been arranged for accommodation, transport, meals, medical services, and overall hospitality for pilgrims attending the events.
A key administrative meeting took place at the Shrines Branch, chaired by Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar. Following directives from Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, all preparations have been finalized. Consistent with previous years, a red carpet reception is planned for Indian Sikh pilgrims.
According to the schedule, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, and Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar, along with local Sikh leaders and media representatives, will welcome Indian Sikh pilgrims at the Wagah Border on June 9.
However, permission for travel from the Indian side has not yet been granted. The welcome will be symbolic, aiming to present Pakistan’s image as a peace-loving and minority-friendly nation committed to interfaith harmony.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, is revered as the first martyr of Sikhism, known for his principles of peace, tolerance, and religious freedom. His martyrdom day holds great significance for the Sikh community and is commemorated with deep respect worldwide.
Both religious events will be celebrated with full devotion at Gurdwaras across Pakistan, where local Sikh communities will participate. These ceremonies will be organised and facilitated by the ETPB, as per the instructions of the government of Pakistan.
Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar extended a warm invitation to Sikh devotees and Sangats from around the world to join these sacred events. He emphasised that the government of Pakistan and its people always welcome their Sikh brothers and sisters with open hearts.
The ETPB and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee have also appealed to all media houses to ensure wide and effective coverage of these events in both print and electronic media to promote interfaith unity and cultural harmony.