Main Ceremonies of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela Conclude at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore

Lahore, June 16, 2026 (Nazrana Times)

The main ceremonies of the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, concluded with great devotion and enthusiasm at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The event was attended by Sikh pilgrims, religious leaders, and distinguished guests from Pakistan and India. Participants highly appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and the facilities provided for Sikh pilgrims.

Among those present were ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, PSGPC Secretary General Satwant Kaur, Dr. Mumpal Singh, Sardar Tara Singh, Sardar Bishan Singh, and leaders of the Indian Sikh delegation including Sardar Bhupinder Singh, Sardar Harjit Singh Chandok, and Sardar Gurmeet Singh Boh, along with a large number of Sikh devotees.
Addressing the gathering, Ramesh Singh Arora said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board had provided exemplary arrangements and hospitality for Sikh pilgrims. He expressed special appreciation for the efforts of Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, adding that Pakistan’s doors remain open to the Sikh community worldwide. He further stated that practical measures are being taken for the restoration and development of religious sites across the country, with restoration work initially focused on 17 gurdwaras.
Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the protection, preservation, and service of sacred sites belonging to all religions. He noted that the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji promote humanity, tolerance, patience, and selfless service—values that can contribute to peace and harmony around the world. He also remarked that pilgrims visiting Pakistan return to their countries as ambassadors of goodwill, helping to project a positive image of Pakistan internationally.

Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh said that the pilgrims would return home with cherished memories of Pakistan. He praised the maintenance of gurdwaras, accommodation arrangements, langar services, transportation, healthcare facilities, and security measures, describing them as outstanding. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board for the respect and hospitality extended to the pilgrims throughout their visit.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq stated that Sikhism was born on the soil of Pakistan and that the country remains the spiritual homeland of the Sikh community. He emphasized that Pakistan has always welcomed Sikh pilgrims wishing to perform their religious duties and that comprehensive arrangements, including medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare facilities, had been made to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage.
Extensive security arrangements were made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, district administration, and law-enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Special provisions for cleanliness, accommodation, langar, and other services at Gurdwara Dera Sahib were widely appreciated by the visiting pilgrims.

The pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the restoration and development of religious sites in Pakistan, noting that they have become more beautiful, secure, and peaceful than ever before. They also praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
The Indian Sikh pilgrims participating in the Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela will complete their ten-day pilgrimage and depart for India on June 19, 2026, carrying with them lasting memories of their spiritual journey and the warm hospitality extended by the people and Government of Pakistan.