The ceremony commemorating the 187th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, under the auspices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
The event was attended by Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries, office-bearers of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), ETPB officials, and other distinguished guests.
Secretary, Evacuee Trust Property Board, Mr. Nasir Mushtaq, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Also present were Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of PSGPC; Satwant Kaur, Secretary General of PSGPC; Professor Mampal Singh, committee members, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary ETPB Nasir Mushtaq said that, under the directions of Chairman ETPB Mr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, comprehensive arrangements had been made to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, including accommodation, langar transportation, medical camps, ambulance services, and emergency healthcare.
He stated that the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh symbolizes mutual respect, religious tolerance, and the shared cultural heritage of the region.
He reaffirmed that Sikhs from across the world are always welcome in Pakistan and that the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board remain committed to serving and hosting them with warmth and respect.
In his address, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of PSGPC, appreciated the outstanding arrangements made by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, the district administration, and PSGPC members for the comfort and welfare of Sikh pilgrims.
He remarked that the Sikh community is “the crown of Pakistan” and that pilgrims from India and around the world return home carrying Pakistan’s message of peace, interfaith harmony, and love. He also urged the Sikh community to play its role in advocating for the early reopening of the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor.
The Sikh pilgrims expressed complete satisfaction with the facilities provided during their stay in Pakistan, praising the maintenance, cleanliness, renovation, and overall management of the gurdwaras. Harjinder Kaur stated that the gurdwaras in Pakistan are now more beautiful and better maintained than ever before.
Jatha Leader Khushwinder Singh appreciated the excellent arrangements for accommodation, langar, transportation, and healthcare, while Harwinder Singh described the management by the Evacuee Trust Property Board as exemplary and highly commendable.
It is worth mentioning that the Indian Sikh pilgrims, who arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 187th death anniversary commemorations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, will conclude their ten-day religious pilgrimage and return to India via the Wagah Border on June 30, 2026. They will be seen off by Secretary ETPB, Mr. Nasir Mushtaq.