LAHORE: More than 3,000 Sikh Yatrees arrived in Lahore Wednesday to celebrate the 549th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The pilgrims arrived via special trains for the celebrations which are to be held from November 21-30.
Officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) including its Chairman Tahir Ehsan, Secretary Board Muhammad Tariq Wazir, Pardhan Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (PSGPC) Sardar Tara Singh and other Pakistani Sikh leaders were among those who received the pilgrims at the Wagah Border Railways Station.
Ehsan, while speaking to media on the subject, said, “The government has made foolproof security arrangements for the Sikh Yatrees so that many more could visit Pakistan.”
He added, “They will be provided with free meals, conveyance and medication.”
Party leader, Sardar Amarjeet Singh remarked, “We get a lot of respect in Pakistan. The opening of the Kirtarpur Border for Guri Nanak’s 5550th birth anniversary is a gift to the Sikh community by the governments on both sides.”
He shared that over 10,000 Sikh Yatrees will visit Pakistan for the occasion.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal welcomed Sikh pilgrims writing, “On Eid Miladun Nabi, Pakistan also welcomes Sikh pilgrims from all over the world, (only our mission in New Delhi has issued more than 3500 visas) for the 549th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib from November 21-30 2018,” on Twitter.
On #Eidmiladunnabi Pakistan also welcomes Sikh pilgrims from all over the world, (only our mission in New Delhi has issued more than 3500 visas) for the 549 birth anniversary celebrations of #BabaGuruNanak in #Nankanasahib from 21-30 November 2018 (1/2)
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) November 21, 2018
He added, “As a progressive, moderate Islamic state we proudly follow the Islamic principles which taught respect for all religions way before the human rights charter came into existence.”
As a progressive, moderate Islamic state we proudly follow the Islamic principles which taught respect for all religions way before the human rights charter came into existence (2/2)
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) November 21, 2018
As per details, the main ceremony will be held on November 23rd at Nankana Sahib which will be followed by a visit to Hasanabdal on the 24th, Lahore on 26th then Rohri on the 28th. The pilgrims are expected to return to India on November 30th.
