Pakistan Completes Arrangements for Guru Nanak’s 557th Birth Anniversary; Kartarpur Corridor Remains Open

LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Pakistan has completed arrangements to welcome between 2,300 and 2,700 Sikh pilgrims from India for the 557th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Thousands of devotees from other countries are also expected to participate, while the Kartarpur Corridor remains open to facilitate visits to sacred religious sites.

The announcement followed a meeting of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) at the headquarters of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in Lahore. PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who also serves as Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, chaired the meeting.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, deputy secretaries, government officials and committee members attended.

Participants included General Secretary Sarwanat Kaur; Dr Sahib Singh, representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; former PSGPC president Dr Mempal Singh from Punjab; Gyan Singh Chawla; Stawant Singh; Harmit Singh; former president Tara Singh from Sindh; Mahesh Singh; and Bhagat Singh.

The meeting reviewed arrangements for pilgrims’ arrival, accommodation, security, transportation, medical assistance and other essential facilities. Officials said preparations had been completed to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

Pilgrims to Arrive on November 22

According to the schedule, Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries will arrive through the Wagah border on November 22, 2026. The main ceremony marking Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 557th birth anniversary will take place on November 24 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

The pilgrims are scheduled to depart on December 1 after completing their religious ceremonies and visits to sacred sites.

Visa Facilitation and Kartarpur Access

Arora said Pakistani diplomatic missions had been instructed to facilitate visa issuance for Sikh pilgrims.

He reaffirmed that the Kartarpur Corridor remained open and urged the Indian government to allow Sikh devotees access to their sacred religious sites in accordance with international law and the principles of religious freedom.

Committee Thanks Maryam Nawaz Sharif

The committee passed a resolution expressing gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her government’s initiatives to construct, renovate and preserve gurdwaras and Sikh religious heritage across the province.

The resolution acknowledged the provincial government’s efforts to protect Sikh heritage and improve facilities at religious sites.

Medical and Transport Facilities Arranged

Arrangements for pilgrims include air-conditioned buses, medical assistance, mineral water, currency exchange facilities and other logistical support. A Rescue 1122 ambulance will accompany every convoy of 20 buses to provide emergency medical assistance.

Pakistan reiterated its commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony and facilitating Sikh pilgrims visiting their historic religious sites.

Report: Ali Imran Chattha