Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India entered Pakistan through the Wagah Border on Wednesday to take part in the annual Jore Mela commemorations held in remembrance of Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary.
The visitors were warmly received by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and representatives of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, Arora said Pakistan’s soil carried a message of peace, religious harmony and interfaith coexistence. He added that visas had been issued to all Sikh devotees who applied to attend the religious gathering.
ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said the arrival of such a large number of pilgrims for the event was being witnessed for the first time in 14 years. He noted that comprehensive arrangements had been made for the guests, including accommodation, transport, medical facilities and security.
Authorities also introduced special measures to protect pilgrims from the ongoing heatwave, while CCTV monitoring systems were installed to ensure enhanced security throughout the event.
Leaders of the visiting Sikh delegation, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh, described Pakistan as their second home and said the Sikh holy sites in the country held deep spiritual importance for their community.
They expressed satisfaction with the hospitality provided by Pakistani authorities and hoped that peace, goodwill and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and India would continue to grow stronger.
The main Jore Mela ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib
