Sikh Pilgrims Applaud Pakistan’s Peace and Hospitality During Vasakhi Mela Celebrations

LAHORE/HASSAN ABDAL — Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting for the Vasakhi Mela and the 327th Khalsa Janam Din have hailed Pakistan as a peace-loving nation that deeply respects its minorities. On the fourth day of their spiritual journey, pilgrims performed traditional religious rituals at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal, expressing complete satisfaction with the hospitality provided by the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

The main ceremony of the Vasakhi Mela is scheduled for tomorrow, April 14, marking a significant milestone in the annual religious calendar. Under the direct instructions of ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, extensive facilities have been arranged to ensure a seamless experience for the visiting yatris.

High-Level Security and State-of-the-Art Facilities

According to Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, security, accommodation, and medical services have been significantly upgraded this year. Gurdwara Panja Sahib has been beautifully illuminated with electric lamps to welcome the delegates. Key features of the current arrangements include:

• High-Alert Security: Stringent safety measures by the district administration and police.

• Medical Support: Dedicated teams from the Health Department stationed on-site.

• Administrative Oversight: Continuous monitoring by ETPB officers to assist pilgrims.

Religious Rituals and Spiritual Visits

During their stay at Hassan Abdal, the Indian Sikh pilgrims performed their core religious rites and paid their respects at the shrine of Baba Peer Wali Kandhari. The pilgrims noted that the environment in Pakistan is filled with love and brotherhood, contradicting any negative perceptions and highlighting the country's commitment to interfaith harmony.

Upcoming High-Profile Celebrations

The central ceremony tomorrow is expected to host several prominent figures, including:

• Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs.

• Qamar-uz-Zaman, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

• Diplomatic representatives, including the Canadian Ambassador and United Nations envoys.

Travel Itinerary and Next Steps

Following the main event, the pilgrims will continue their journey across Punjab's most sacred sites. According to the official schedule:

• April 15: Visit to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur.

• April 17: Visit to Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Emnabad, before arriving in Lahore.

The yatris concluded their remarks by thanking the administration for treating them as honored guests, reinforcing Pakistan's image as a safe and welcoming destination for global religious tourism.