More than 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah Border on Wednesday to participate in the ceremonies marking the death anniversary (Jor Mela) of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
The commemorative events are being organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Government of Pakistan.
Upon arrival at the Wagah Border, the pilgrims were warmly received by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq. Special arrangements were made by the ETPB administration to facilitate the pilgrims’ arrival and immigration clearance.
The delegation includes Jatha Leader Sardar Parmjit Singh Chandhok, along with members of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, as well as representatives of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee led by its president, who also arrived with the pilgrimage group.
According to Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, comprehensive arrangements have been made on the directives of ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman to ensure the comfort and convenience of the visiting pilgrims. Facilities, including langar, medical services, immigration assistance, and round-the-clock support from ETPB staff, have been provided at the border and throughout the pilgrimage.
The Sikh pilgrims will stay in Pakistan for ten days and will visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
Following their arrival at Wagah, the pilgrims were transported under strict security arrangements to Nankana Sahib. The main ceremony of the Jor Mela will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.
Officials stated that Pakistan is providing a peaceful and conducive environment for Sikh pilgrims to perform their religious obligations. Medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare facilities have also been established to ensure the well-being of the visitors.
Chairman ETPB Qamar-uz-Zaman said the Board is utilizing all available resources to ensure a safe, comfortable, and dignified stay for the pilgrims. He added that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to promoting religious tourism and preserving the sacred sites of minority communities while providing the best possible facilities to visiting Sikh pilgrims.