TAXILA: A group of 518 Sikh pilgrims from India departed for Kartarpur on Sunday after completing religious rituals and commemorative ceremonies marking the death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
The pilgrims participated in prayers, religious gatherings and special remembrance events held in honor of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, one of the most revered figures in Sikhism. Following the completion of the ceremonies, the group continued its pilgrimage journey to Kartarpur, home to one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites.
Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee were present to see the pilgrims off. Representatives from the district administration, police and other relevant departments also attended to oversee transportation and security arrangements.
Authorities said extensive measures were put in place to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the pilgrims. Security personnel and administrative officials coordinated logistics throughout the visit, facilitating travel between religious sites and providing support services.
Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas said the arrival of such a large number of Sikh pilgrims for the occasion was the first of its kind in 14 years. He described the successful completion of the pilgrimage activities as a reflection of Pakistan’s efforts to promote religious tourism and facilitate access to holy sites for Sikh devotees from around the world.
Several pilgrims expressed appreciation for the hospitality they received during their stay in Pakistan. They said the opportunity to visit sacred Sikh sites and perform religious obligations in a peaceful environment was a memorable experience.
The visitors also praised the arrangements made for accommodation, transportation, security and langar services, describing them as well-organized and supportive of their spiritual journey.
The pilgrimage highlights ongoing religious tourism exchanges between Pakistan and India and the importance of preserving access to historic Sikh heritage sites.