Pakistan Ready with Red Carpet Welcome for Sikh Pilgrims on Sacred Occasions, Awaits India’s Approval

Pakistan Invites Global Sikh Community to Celebrate Sacred Events as ETPB Finalizes All Arrangements

Pakistan Extends Symbolic Welcome to Sikh Pilgrims, Reaffirms Commitment to Interfaith Harmony

Lahore /Ali Imran Chattha/

Under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has completed all arrangements for two major Sikh religious events: Shaheedi Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. These include facilities for accommodation, transport, meals, medical services, and overall hospitality for the pilgrims.

A key administrative meeting was held at the Shrines Branch under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar. He stated that, following the directives of Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, all preparations have been finalized. As in previous years, a red carpet reception will be arranged for Indian Sikh pilgrims.

According to the schedule, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora (President, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee) and Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, along with local Sikh leaders and media representatives, will welcome Indian Sikh pilgrims at Wagah Border on June 9. However, permission for travel from the Indian side has not yet been granted — a regrettable matter. The welcome will be symbolic, aiming to present Pakistan’s image as a peace-loving and minority-friendly nation committed to interfaith harmony.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, is revered as the first martyr of Sikhism, known for his principles of peace, tolerance, and religious freedom. His martyrdom day holds great significance for the Sikh community and is commemorated with deep respect worldwide.

Both religious events will be celebrated with full devotion at Gurdwaras across Pakistan, where local Sikh communities will participate. These ceremonies will be organized and facilitated by the ETPB and PSGPC as per the instructions of the Government of Pakistan.

Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar extended a warm invitation to Sikh devotees and Sangats from around the world to join these sacred events. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan and its people always welcome their Sikh brothers and sisters with open hearts.

The ETPB and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee have also appealed to all media houses to ensure wide and effective coverage of these events in both print and electronic media to promote interfaith unity and cultural harmony.