Pakistan Prepares for Guru Nanak's 556th Birth Anniversary

Lahore, Oct 7 (PTI) — In preparation for the upcoming 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, Pakistani authorities have put in place comprehensive security measures for Sikh pilgrims arriving next month, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

A gathering was convened at the Punjab government's Home Department on Tuesday to assess the arrangements for the celebrations commemorating Guru Nanak's birth anniversary.

Among those in attendance were Punjab's inaugural Sikh minister and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Secretary of the Punjab Home Department, Ahmad Javed Qazi, and senior police officers.

"It was conveyed during the meeting that stringent security measures, along with medical facilities, transportation, and top-notch accommodation, will be assured for the pilgrims. Uninterrupted gas and electricity supply will be maintained at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, and all other gurdwaras," ETPB spokesperson Ghulam Mohyuddin told PTI post-meeting.

The festivities for Guru Nanak's birth anniversary are scheduled from November 4 to 14, with the primary ceremony set for November 5 at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, located 80 kms from Lahore.

"Sikh pilgrims numbering in the thousands from across the globe, including 3,000 from India under a bilateral agreement, will take part in this religious celebration," the meeting was briefed.

However, due to the armed conflict between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in May, no Indian pilgrims have visited Pakistan owing to travel restrictions.

Previously, Arora and the local Sikh community had appealed to the Indian government to permit pilgrims to travel to Pakistan for these religious occasions.

Arora instructed all relevant departments to finalize arrangements promptly to provide optimal services for the pilgrims.

The Federal Investigation Agency was also tasked by Arora to set up additional counters at the Wagah border to expedite the immigration procedures.

He emphasized that the sale of items forbidden in Sikhism would be prohibited in the vicinity of the gurdwaras.

ETPB Chairman Sajid Mahmood Chauhan reiterated that despite ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, the board will extend respect, affection, and hospitality towards the Sikh visitors. He also suggested that Pakistani Sikh doctors should volunteer to provide medical services during the celebrations.

The ETPB is responsible for managing the holy sites of minorities in Pakistan.

The pilgrims are expected to visit Kartarpur Sahib and other gurdwaras in Punjab as part of their journey.

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