Pakistan Issues 2,100 Visas to Indian Sikh Pilgrims for Baba Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Anniversary — Grand Celebrations Set for November 5

Lahore (Nazrana Times):
The Government of Pakistan has issued more than 2,100 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims under the Liaquat–Nehru Pact for the upcoming celebrations of the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, the revered founder of the Sikh faith.
According to the official schedule, Sikh pilgrims from India will arrive via the Wagah Border on November 4, while the main ceremony will take place on November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib. The celebrations will include sacred rituals such as Akhand Path, Palki Sahib procession, and Bhog ceremony.
An official from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony confirmed that Sikh delegations from around the world have already started arriving in Pakistan. “Indian pilgrims will be received with even greater hospitality than ever before,” said Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, adding that all arrangements have been finalized to ensure a peaceful and dignified celebration.
The planning and preparations have been carried out in close coordination with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), provincial departments, and district administrations. Following the directives of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, PSGPC President and Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, comprehensive arrangements have been made for accommodation, meals, transport, medical care, and security of all pilgrims.
High-quality transportation, including modern buses, has been arranged to facilitate pilgrims’ movement between the Wagah Border and major religious sites.
Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, along with Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Syed and Deputy Secretary General Shrines, personally inspected arrangements at Wagah Border, Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib), Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hassan Abdal), and Gurdwara Rohri Sahib (Eminabad, Gujranwala).
According to ETPB, Sikh pilgrims will receive a warm welcome at the Wagah Border on November 4 by senior officials including Nasir Mushtaq and Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Afterward, they will travel to Nankana Sahib under tight security for the main event on November 5.
The pilgrims’ itinerary includes visits to:
• Gurdwara Sacha Sauda on November 6
• Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hassan Abdal) on November 7–8
• Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur) on November 8
• Gurdwara Rohri Sahib (Eminabad) on November 10
• Gurdwara Dera Sahib (Lahore) from November 11–12
The Indian Sikh pilgrims will conclude their spiritual journey and return home on November 13 after performing their final religious rituals.