Sikh Pilgrims Hail Pakistan's Hospitality at Guru Arjan Dev Ji Jor Mela
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, organized the main ceremony at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, which was attended by ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and a large number of Sikh pilgrims from both countries
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman said Pakistan remains committed to the protection and service of sacred places of all religions, with the ETPB ensuring exemplary arrangements for the pilgrims. He added that pilgrims visiting Pakistan return to their countries as goodwill ambassadors, projecting Pakistan's positive image globally
Indian Jatha leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh said pilgrims would return home with wonderful memories of Pakistan, praising the maintenance of gurdwaras, accommodation, langar services, transportation, medical facilities, and security arrangements. Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq remarked that Sikhism originated on the land of Pakistan, and the country has never prevented Sikh pilgrims from visiting
PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora thanked Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq for exemplary hospitality. He noted that Pakistan's doors are always open to the Sikh community and that restoration work is currently underway at 17 gurdwaras
Foolproof security arrangements were made by the ETPB, district administration, and law enforcement agencies, with medical camps and ambulance services ensuring the pilgrims' well-being. The Indian Sikh pilgrims will conclude their ten-day pilgrimage and return to India on June 19.