‘No Shortage of Visas for Sikh Pilgrims’: ETPB Secretary Nasir Mushtaq

Pakistan Fully Prepared to Welcome Sikh Pilgrims for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 557th Birth Anniversary: ETPB Secretary
‘No Shortage of Visas for Sikh Pilgrims,’ Says Nasir Mushtaq; Main Celebration Scheduled for November 24 in Nankana Sahib
LAHORE (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

Pakistan is making comprehensive arrangements to welcome Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world for the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Nasir Mushtaq has assured that the government is prepared to facilitate thousands of pilgrims and that visas will not be restricted for those wishing to attend the religious celebrations.
A high-level administrative meeting was held at the ETPB headquarters under the chairmanship of Secretary Nasir Mushtaq to review preparations for the celebrations.

Deputy Secretary Sadat Shahbaz Khan and Deputy Secretary Syed Faraz Abbas attended the meeting, along with representatives from the Rangers, Customs, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sui Gas and other relevant departments. Deputy commissioners, district police officers and representatives of the Press Information Department and other administrative bodies also participated.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements, accommodation, langar, transportation, medical assistance, clean drinking water, and uninterrupted electricity and gas supplies for the visiting pilgrims.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Nasir Mushtaq said the Government of Pakistan was fully prepared to receive Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other countries.

He said pilgrims would arrive in Pakistan through the Wagah Border on November 22 and receive a warm welcome. The main ceremony marking Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 557th birth anniversary is scheduled to take place in Nankana Sahib on November 24.
The ETPB secretary added that all relevant departments had assured the board of their full cooperation in ensuring the best possible facilities for pilgrims.
According to Nasir Mushtaq, air-conditioned buses would be arranged for transportation, while medical staff and essential healthcare facilities would be available at residential locations. Special arrangements would also be made to provide clean drinking water, including mineral water for pilgrims.
Approved currency exchange counters operating under State Bank of Pakistan regulations would be established for pilgrims’ convenience and regularly monitored.
He further said that appropriate accommodation and langar arrangements would be made, with the relevant departments ensuring uninterrupted electricity and Sui gas supplies throughout the pilgrimage period.
For emergency assistance, a Rescue 1122 ambulance would accompany every convoy of 20 buses. Police, Rangers, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments would remain deployed to provide security and assistance.
Nasir Mushtaq said Sikh pilgrims would return home with memories of Pakistan’s hospitality, affection and warm welcome.

Emphasising visa arrangements, he said Pakistan would welcome as many Indian Sikh pilgrims as wished to attend the sacred celebrations and would not be restrictive in issuing visas. He also urged India to allow Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan through the Wagah Border for the occasion.
He added that Pakistan was committed to extending a warm welcome and providing hospitality to the visiting Sikh community, as it had done on previous occasions.
The ETPB Deputy Secretary for Shrines also participated in the media briefing.