The visit of Sikh pilgrims from India, who travelled to Pakistan to participate in the annual Vaisakhi celebrations organised by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), concluded on Saturday, with participants offering special prayers for regional peace, harmony, and improved Pakistan-India relations.
The pilgrims performed religious rites at Gurdwara Sri Dera Sahib, where they made collective supplications for peace and interfaith understanding. The festivities, held in connection with the Khalsa Birth Anniversary, featured a series of well-organised religious and cultural events that concluded successfully.
A cultural and musical programme in honour of the visiting pilgrims was held at Hazuri Bagh, while a special ceremony took place at Dayal Singh Trust Library under the World Center for Punjabi.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said Pakistan accords the highest priority to its religious bond with the Sikh community and ensures complete religious freedom for visiting pilgrims. He added that, under the directives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, facilities meeting international standards had been provided, reiterating that Pakistan’s doors would always remain open to Sikh pilgrims.
He also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the district administration, health authorities, police, and security institutions in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival, noting that the pilgrims’ presence brought immense joy and their departure would be deeply felt.
During their stay in Lahore, the pilgrims visited various historical and cultural landmarks, including the Lahore Fort, and toured the Walled City, Mall Road, and Liberty Chowk aboard double-decker tourist buses. They also explored prominent markets such as Anarkali Bazaar and Shah Alam Market, where they purchased garments, footwear, and other local products.
Talking to the media, Jatha leader Sardar Surjit Singh said that gurdwaras in Pakistan were not only secure but also well-maintained and increasingly beautiful. He praised the excellent arrangements for accommodation, healthcare, and transportation. Other pilgrims also expressed satisfaction with the provision of quality travel facilities, clean drinking water, standard food, and well-organised langar services, while extending gratitude to the Government of Punjab and ETPB leadership for their hospitality and services.