ETPB Honors Sikh Ruler’s Legacy; Ministers Miss Key Ceremony

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary Commemorated at Gurdwara Dera Sahib; Key Ministers Absent

By Ali Imran Chattha – Lahore

The 184th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the iconic Sikh ruler of Punjab, was solemnly observed on Saturday at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The central ceremony was jointly organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).

ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan led the ceremony as chief guest, alongside Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, Prof. Dr. Mampal Singh, Stwant Kaur, Deputy Secretary Ali Asghar, and former PSGPC President Sardar Bishan Singh. The gathering included numerous religious leaders, community elders, and international pilgrims.

Dr. Chauhan paid rich tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, praising his governance for its justice, religious tolerance, and protection of sacred sites across faiths.

"Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule was marked by pluralism and respect for all religions. He ensured the safety and dignity of all religious communities," he stated.

He expressed regret over the Indian government's recent refusal to allow Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan for the event, calling it a blow to religious harmony and cross-border faith-based ties. Dr. Chauhan reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to restoring minority heritage sites, citing ongoing conservation projects at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar echoed the sentiment of inclusivity, reaffirming Pakistan’s welcoming stance:

“We have placed no restrictions on Sikh or Hindu yatrees from India or any other country. Our shrines are open to all with full hospitality,” he said.

Pilgrims attending the event were provided with modern accommodations, free langar, medical assistance, and enhanced security arrangements. The ceremony concluded with the traditional presentation of saropay (ceremonial robes) and goodwill gifts to the participants.

Ministerial Absences Raise Eyebrows

Despite the event’s cultural and religious significance, the absence of two high-profile officials — Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman of PSGPC and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, and Sardar Yousaf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs — drew criticism and speculation from attendees and religious leaders. Their non-appearance at one of the most important Sikh commemorations in Pakistan raised questions about priorities at the ministerial level.