Sikh Leaders Praise Pakistan’s Hospitality and Security Arrangements

April 14, 2026 Lahore Ali Imran Chattha Nazrana Times 
Vaisakhi Mela and 327th Khalsa Birth Anniversary Conclude at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal 

The central celebrations of Vaisakhi Mela and the 327th Khalsa Birth Anniversary concluded with devotion and reverence at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board. The events saw enthusiastic participation from Sikh pilgrims arriving from around the world, including India, who performed their religious rituals.
Addressing the main ceremony, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yusuf, extended Vaisakhi greetings from Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to the Sikh community. He stated that Pakistan is a peace-loving country where minorities enjoy complete religious freedom. Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India and across the globe perform their worship here with full peace and devotion.
He further said that the Government of Pakistan considers it its duty to provide equal rights and best facilities to minorities. Under the supervision of Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Qamaruz Zaman, the board is taking extensive steps for the renovation, restoration, and hospitality of pilgrims at gurdwaras and temples across the country. A modern residential block is being constructed at Nankana Sahib at a cost of approximately PKR 900 million, while development work is ongoing at 18 gurdwaras. He also informed that a 5% quota has been reserved for minorities in jobs at the Evacuee Trust Property Board, and modern washrooms have also been constructed at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
Federal Minister for Sports, Das Kohistani, said in his address that Pakistan desires peace and is taking practical steps to protect the rights of minorities.
Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Qamaruz Zaman, thanked all departments of the Government of Punjab, police, health, rescue services, and other law enforcement agencies. He said that the board and administration are constantly striving to serve the pilgrims, and it was ensured that no pilgrim faced any inconvenience regarding facilities.
Pardhan of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from India, Sardar Sarjeet Singh, thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board, saying: "We are provided with immense respect and facilities here. We are given such honour and security as if we were ministers." He praised the security, accommodation, transport, and medical facilities.
Provincial Minister and Pardhan of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said that even if the number of pilgrims coming from India increases fourfold, Pakistan will welcome them with open hearts and provide all facilities. He demanded that the Government of India activate the Kartarpur Corridor permanently.
Additional Secretary of Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, said that the Sikh community has a spiritual bond with Pakistan, and the government is always ready to serve them.
The ceremony was also attended by ambassadors from Canada, Australia, and Azerbaijan, along with other senior officials. Members of PSGPCDr. Mampal Singh and Sardar Tara Singh were also present.
At the conclusion of the events, Sikh pilgrims, after performing their religious rituals at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, offered special prayers for the security, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan.
The Sikh pilgrims will proceed to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on April 15. After staying there, they will travel to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Eminabad, on April 17, and then depart for Lahore.