Ramesh Singh Arora Leads Reception of Sikh Yatrees in Pakistan

Second Batch of Sikh Pilgrims Arrives in Pakistan; Minister Ramesh Singh Arora and Senior Officials Lead Warm Welcome at Wagah
Wagah Border, Pakistan

Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 

The second batch of 337 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived in Pakistan on Sunday through the Wagah Border to participate in the death anniversary ceremonies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The pilgrims received a warm and hospitable welcome from Pakistani authorities, religious leaders, and Sikh community representatives.
The reception was led by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab Minister for Minorities and Human Rights. Joining him in welcoming the yatrees were Qamar-uz-Zaman, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB); Naser Mushtaq, Additional Secretary of Shrines; Faraz Abbas, Deputy Secretary of Shrines; and officials of the Shrines Department and PSGPC.
Expressing his happiness over the arrival of the pilgrims, Ramesh Singh Arora said he was especially pleased to see members of the younger Sikh generation participating in the pilgrimage. He noted that the ETPB and PSGPC remain committed to facilitating Sikh pilgrims and ensuring their comfort throughout their stay. He added that special arrangements had been made for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other services.

ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman personally received the pilgrims at the border and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting religious tourism and interfaith harmony. He stated that Pakistan continues to provide a peaceful and welcoming environment for Sikh pilgrims and remains dedicated to preserving and strengthening minority places of worship.
Additional Secretary of Shrines Naser Mushtaq highlighted the extensive arrangements made for the visiting delegation. He said special security measures had been implemented, with Rescue 1122 vehicles and ambulances accompanying the convoy. Medical assistance, mineral water, transportation, accommodation, langar, and healthcare facilities had been arranged at the highest level. He also noted that a special langar was organized at Wagah Border upon the pilgrims’ arrival.
Deputy Secretary of Shrines Faraz Abbas and the entire Shrines Department staff were also present to formally receive the pilgrims and assist them during the border crossing process.
Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) thanked the Pakistani government for the warm reception and praised the arrangements made for the pilgrimage. Khushvinder Singh Bhatia commended Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony, while the Jatha Leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) acknowledged that every possible convenience had been provided to the pilgrims.
Another delegation member, Harvinder Singh, appreciated the measures being taken for the preservation and maintenance of Sikh religious sites in Pakistan. Several other members of the delegation expressed their joy and said the warm welcome at Wagah Border had won the hearts of the Sikh pilgrims.
The main ceremony marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib on June 29. Authorities have ensured comprehensive security and logistical arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims throughout their stay in Pakistan.