Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony jointly organized central ceremony to mark the death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji at the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
ETPB Chairman Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan said in his address that Guru Arjan Dev Ji sacrificed his life for truth, tolerance, and religious harmony, and his teachings continue to serve as a guiding light for humanity.
Chauhan noted that Pakistan had made comprehensive arrangements for Indian Sikh pilgrims, including red carpet welcome, accommodation, healthcare, and security, but regretted that the Indian government did not grant them permission to attend.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Pakistan is the only country in the world where minorities enjoy complete religious freedom and full protection of their holy sites.
He expressed disappointment over India’s refusal to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan and urged all Jathedars (Sikh religious leaders) to bring their groups to Pakistan to perform religious rituals and witness the beauty of their gurdwaras.
The event was attended by members of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sikh devotees from across Pakistan, and individuals involved in promoting interfaith harmony.
Sikh participants expressed hope that Sikh pilgrims from India will be allowed to visit Pakistan on the occasion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary, further strengthening religious ties and harmony between the two countries.
