Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to participate in the 420th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the annual Jor Mela celebrations, marking an important occasion for the Sikh community and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries.
The event holds special significance as Sikh devotees from Pakistan and India will jointly observe the commemorations for the first time in 14 years after longstanding differences regarding the anniversary date were resolved.
A reception ceremony was held at the Wagah Border, where Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora welcomed the visitors. He stated that nearly 700 pilgrims had crossed into Pakistan and described their arrival as a historic moment for the Sikh community.
Arora emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, religious harmony, and cultural connections. He noted that Pakistan occupies a unique place in Sikh history and faith due to the presence of several sacred sites associated with Sikhism.
Representatives of the visiting Indian delegation also expressed appreciation for the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities. Delegation leader Sardar Parmjeet Singh said the issue surrounding the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary had remained unresolved for many years, and welcomed the opportunity for devotees from both countries to participate together in the commemorations.
Another delegation member, Gurmeet Singh Gaggi, described the joint observance as a positive development and praised the cooperation that made the gathering possible.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq confirmed that Pakistan had issued 737 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the occasion. He said the main ceremony will take place at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.
Authorities have arranged transportation, accommodation, and reception facilities for the pilgrims, while special measures were implemented to facilitate immigration and customs procedures at the border. Officials said all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the smooth conduct of religious activities and provide visitors with a comfortable stay during their pilgrimage in Pakistan.
