A meeting was held at the head office of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, to review arrangements for the 327th Vaisakhi Mela and Khalsa Birth Anniversary celebrations.
The meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary Shrines, ETPB, Nasir Mushtaq, and attended by representatives of police, Rangers, Customs, Immigration, Rescue 1122, Sui Gas, Health Department, and district and provincial administrative institutions. Detailed review was conducted regarding arrival of Sikh pilgrims, their accommodation, meals, performance of religious rituals, transport facilities and foolproof security arrangements.
Talking to media, Nasir Mushtaq said that Pakistan, as always, would extend full hospitality to Sikh pilgrims arriving from India and other parts of the world. He said all relevant departments were working in close coordination with the ETPB and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to ensure provision of the best possible facilities.
He said that medical facilities, accommodation and transport arrangements for the pilgrims were being further improved and air-conditioned buses would be provided for their travel. Continuous supply of electricity and Sui Gas as well as smooth immigration arrangements would also be ensured. Medical facilities would be available at all residential sites, while six special Rescue 1122 ambulances would accompany the buses of pilgrims. Religious sites including Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib would be decorated with beautiful illuminations on the occasion of Vaisakhi Mela.
The additional secretary further informed that under the bilateral agreement, around 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year to attend the Vaisakhi and Khalsa Birth Anniversary celebrations. According to the schedule, the pilgrims would arrive in Pakistan on April 10 through Wagah Border, where they would be warmly received. Sikh pilgrims from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Malaysia, Australia and other countries would also arrive via Allama Iqbal International Airport.
He added that the main ceremony of Vaisakhi Mela and Khalsa Birth Anniversary would be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal.