2,238 pilgrims joined the rituals at key gurdwaras, praying for peace, harmony and ties between Pakistan and India.
The Vesakhi celebrations, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), included religious and cultural events. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
Indian Sikh pilgrims return home after completing their religious visit to Pakistan, carrying positive impressions of hospitality, facilities and interfaith engagement during the Vaisakhi festival and the 327th birth anniversary of Khalsa.
Officials said a total of 2,238 pilgrims arrived on April 10 to participate in religious ceremonies at key gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The pilgrims performed rituals and offered special prayers for peace, interfaith harmony and improved relations between Pakistan and India.
The Vesakhi celebrations, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), included religious and cultural events. A ceremony was also held at the Dyal Singh Trust Library of the World Center for Punjabi, which was attended by a large number of pilgrims. Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, the chief guest, said Pakistan attaches great importance to its religious ties with the Sikh community and provides a level playing field to all pilgrims.
The pilgrims said they were provided with drinking water, quality food and well-organized langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by the local people. PHOTO: EXPRESS
He said the pilgrims were given religious freedom and international standard agreements in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and ETPB Chairman Qamar Zaman. He also thanked the local administration, health authorities and security institutions for facilitating the events.
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Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transportation. The group’s leader, Sardar Surjit Singh, told media that gurdwaras in Pakistan were well maintained and safer, while facilities for visitors had improved. Other pilgrims said they were provided with drinking water, quality food and well-organized langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by the local people.
During their stay, the pilgrims visited historical sites in Lahore, including the Lahore Fort and Walled City areas. They were taken on guided tours in double-decker buses covering Mall Road, Liberty Chowk and other landmarks. Many also visited Anarkali Bazaar and Shah Alam Market for shopping.
A cultural program with music and local cuisine was held in honor of the pilgrims at Hazuri Bagh.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transportation. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS
On the other hand, an interfaith conference was held at the Iqbal Hall inside the Badshahi Mosque complex under the Auqaf Department, in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Bishop Kamran Nadeem, Bhagat Lal and members of the Sikh delegation.
Speakers emphasized tolerance and religious harmony and stated that such initiatives help reduce misunderstandings and promote mutual trust. Authorities said restoring religious sites and providing modern facilities to visitors remained a priority.
The pilgrims are scheduled to leave for India through the Wagah border on April 19 after completing their visit.
