Indian Sikh Pilgrims Praise Pakistan’s Hospitality — “We Will Carry the Message of Love and Peace Across the World”

Lahore (Nazrana Times) — Report by Ali Imran Chattha
 

Under the arrangements of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sikh pilgrims from India have concluded their 10-day religious pilgrimage to Pakistan and returned home via the Wagah Border.
At the farewell ceremony, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and ETPB Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, along with committee members, warmly bid farewell to the departing pilgrims.
Before leaving for India, the Sikh pilgrims spoke to the media, expressing deep appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality:
“We were initially fearful due to negative propaganda, but our experience in Pakistan was the complete opposite. The Government of Pakistan made excellent arrangements. We received more respect and affection here than even in our own country. Our gurdwaras in Pakistan are safe and beautifully preserved.”
The Jatha Leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Bibi Guro Rinder Kaur, thanked Pakistan for its efforts, saying:
“All the pilgrims are grateful to the ETPB and the Government of Pakistan for their wonderful arrangements. We enjoyed complete freedom to perform our religious rituals. Security, accommodation, and medical facilities were all exceptional. Each year, the arrangements get even better.”
Speaking at the Wagah Border, ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said:
“The Government of Pakistan has never rejected a visa application from any Sikh pilgrim. Special visas were issued this year as well. Serving Sikh and Hindu pilgrims and promoting religious tourism are among our top priorities. These pilgrims will now carry Pakistan’s message of peace and love to the entire world.”
He added that the Evacuee Trust Property Board allocates significant funds for the hospitality of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims and for the preservation, renovation, and security of minority worship sites across Pakistan.
On behalf of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, special gifts and flower bouquets were presented to the pilgrims.
Expressing his gratitude, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said:
“Every Sikh across the world holds deep love for the sacred land of our Gurus — Pakistan. We urge the Government of India to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor and allow more Sikh pilgrims to visit.”
After completing all formalities, the pilgrims departed through the Wagah Border, taking with them cherished memories of their spiritual journey to Pakistan.