ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): India has prevented Sikh pilgrims from coming to Pakistan for the rituals of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom day.
According to the spokesperson for the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Sikh pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9 to participate in the rituals.
Despite the pilgrims’ non-arrival, a stage has been prepared at the Wagah Border for their symbolic reception.
Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
On this occasion, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee will be present there to welcome the pilgrims.
Members of the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee will symbolically welcome the pilgrims. A red carpet will also be laid out for the purpose.
Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that despite the absence of pilgrims, the reception will be symbolic to show the world Pakistan’s minority-friendly, and interfaith harmony-based face.
He said that Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s sacrifice is a symbol of peace, tolerance, and religious freedom, and his teachings still convey a message of tolerance today.
According to the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, every year, under a pre-arranged agreement, Indian pilgrims come to participate in the rituals of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom day on June 9, but this time the Indian government did not allow the pilgrims to come to Pakistan.
Despite this, all arrangements in Pakistan are complete. The Evacuee Trust Property Board has arranged foolproof security, and preparations for the reception at the Wagah Border have been completed.
Under the directives of Board Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood, all relevant departments have been put on alert.
