A group of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who visited Pakistan to participate in the annual celebrations of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Jor Mela, returned to their homeland India via the Wagah border crossing on Friday after completing their 10-day pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were seen off at the border by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, PSGPC Secretary General Satwant Kaur and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Jatha Leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh said the pilgrims were returning home with a message of love, peace and religious harmony from Pakistan. He appreciated the hospitality extended by the ETPB, PSGPC and the government of Pakistan, adding that Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan were now safer and more beautifully maintained than before.
Chairman ETPB said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan was ensuring the protection, preservation and beautification of Sikh religious sites while providing the best possible facilities and hospitality to visiting pilgrims.
President PSGPC Ramesh Arora said that although Sikhs were a minority in Pakistan, the global Sikh community remained deeply connected to the country’s sacred religious sites. He added that Pakistan had always treated the Sikh community with dignity and respect.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said Sikhs from India and across the world were eager to visit Pakistan’s religious sites. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving and facilitating Sikh pilgrims and announced that another group of Indian Sikh pilgrims would arrive in Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing on June 21 to attend the death anniversary ceremonies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The departing pilgrims thanked the government of Pakistan and the ETPB for providing transport, medical facilities, accommodation, langar and security during their stay. They left for India carrying cherished memories of their visit and expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality they received in Pakistan.