Government has never stopped Sikhs from around the world from visiting Pakistan: Nasir Mushtaq

On the occasion of the Vaisakhi Mela and the 327th Khalsa Janam Din celebrations, Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan spent their second day in Nankana Sahib, where they performed religious rituals and visited various Gurdwaras. The pilgrims paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Kiara Sahib, Gurdwara Tambu Sahib, Gurdwara Balian Sahib, Gurdwara Patti Sahib, and Gurdwara Malji Sahib.

On this occasion, Additional Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq, reviewed the arrangements. While briefing about the facilities being provided to the pilgrims, he stated that, in accordance with the directives of the Government of Pakistan, foolproof security, excellent travel arrangements, accommodation, and medical facilities are being ensured for the Sikh pilgrims. He further added that the accommodation arrangements at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, have been made at the highest standard, while the district administration and the Evacuee Trust Property Board are jointly engaged in serving the pilgrims.

Nasir Mushtaq further informed that the Government of Pakistan issued 2,800 visas; however, around 600 Sikh pilgrims were unable to travel to Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan has always kept its doors open for Sikhs from all over the world and has never prevented anyone from performing their religious rituals.

Meanwhile, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq laid the foundation stone for the restoration and renovation project of Gurdwara Sri Kiara Sahib in Nankana Sahib. Under this project, a modern residential complex comprising 40 rooms will be constructed, which will provide enhanced facilities for pilgrims. A large number of Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries attended the foundation stone ceremony.

The Sikh pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made in Pakistan, stating that they were provided with excellent facilities, security, and hospitality, for which they are grateful to the Government of Pakistan and the relevant authorities.

It is worth mentioning that Gurdwara Sri Kiara Sahib is a sacred site where Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji grazed cattle during his childhood, and it holds significant spiritual importance in Sikhism.