Pakistan Hosts Grand Ceremony for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 187th Death Anniversary; Sikh Pilgrims Laud Exemplary Arrangements

LAHORE: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), under the administrative control of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, organized the main commemorative ceremony to mark the 187th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
The event witnessed the participation of Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries, office-bearers of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), ETPB officials, and numerous distinguished civil society members.

Key Dignitaries Present:
 Mr. Naser Mushtaq Secretary, Evacuee Trust Property Board (Chief Guest)
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora Pradhan, PSGPC
Ms. Satwant Kaur Secretary General, PSGPC
 Professor Mampal Singh Member, PSGPC
Other PSGPC members and ETPB officers
Address by Additional Secretary shrines ETPB Mr. Naser Mushtaq:
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary ETPB Naser Mushtaq reiterated the government's commitment to facilitating minority pilgrims. He stated that, on the directives of ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, a comprehensive package of facilities was provided to the visiting Sikh Yatrees, including:
· Accommodation
-Langar (free community kitchen)
· Transport
· Medical camps and ambulance services
· Emergency first-aid

He emphasized that the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is not merely a Sikh religious event but a powerful symbol of mutual respect, religious tolerance, and Pakistan’s shared cultural heritage. He further invited Sikhs from all over the world to visit Pakistan, assuring them that the government and ETPB remain committed to their service and hospitality.

Address by PSGPC Pradhan Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora ( Minister for minorities affairs and human rights govt of Punjab) 
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora lauded the exceptional efforts of the ETPB, the district administration, and the PSGPC team for providing outstanding hospitality to the pilgrims. He declared that "the Sikh nation is the crown of Pakistan" and noted that Sikh Sangat from across the globe, particularly India, return home carrying a message of love, peace, and interfaith harmony. He made a heartfelt appeal to the Sikh community worldwide to contribute towards the early restoration and smooth functioning of the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor.

Response from Indian Sikh Pilgrims: The visiting Indian Sikh Yatrees expressed deep satisfaction with all arrangements. Pilgrim Harjinder Kaur noted that the gurdwaras in Pakistan are now "more beautiful and in better condition than ever before." Jatha Leader Khushvinder Singh praised the quality of accommodation, langar, transport, and medical services, while Harvinder Singh termed the ETPB's management as "ideal and highly commendable."
Departure Schedule:
The Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived for a ten-day religious visit, will depart for India via the Wagha Border on June 30, 2026. Secretary ETPB Naser Mushtaq will personally see them off at the border.