Punjab Reviews Arrangements for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 557th Birth Anniversary; Around 30,000 Pilgrims Expected

LAHORE (Nazrana Times): The Punjab Home Department reviewed security arrangements and facilities for celebrations marking Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 557th birth anniversary. The meeting was informed that around 30,000 pilgrims from Pakistan and across the world were expected to participate, including approximately 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India.

Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee for Peace and Security Khawaja Salman Rafique and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora chaired the meeting.

Special Secretary Home Faisal Fareed and Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Sajid Chauhan attended and briefed participants on the arrangements.

Other participants included the Commissioner Lahore, Additional Secretary Internal Security, Additional Secretary Shrines, DGPR Punjab, Chief Coordinator PFTEC, and officers from Pakistan Customs, FIA, Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Pakistan Rangers Punjab and other relevant departments.

Pilgrims to Stay from November 22 to December 1

The meeting was informed that pilgrims would stay in Punjab from November 22 to December 1, 2026, to participate in the celebrations.

They will visit religious and historical sites in Nankana Sahib, Farooqabad in Sheikhupura district, Hasan Abdal, Kartarpur in Narowal district, and Lahore.

Security, Transport and Medical Preparations

Khawaja Salman Rafique said foolproof security arrangements would be ensured in line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision. He described hosting Sikh pilgrims as an important opportunity to present Pakistan’s positive image to the world.

He directed the relevant departments to ensure exemplary transportation, medical facilities, food and other essential arrangements, and to complete all preparations on time.

Rafique also instructed the FIA to establish the maximum number of counters to make immigration procedures faster and simpler, ensuring that pilgrims faced no difficulty.

Arora Calls for High Standards

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said arrangements should be so good that pilgrims returned from Pakistan raising the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad,” as always.

He said the matter concerned Pakistan’s honour and dignity, adding that no negligence in the arrangements would be tolerated.