Pakistan Finalizes Arrangements for Arrival of Indian Sikh Pilgrims for Major Religious Events
ETPB completes accommodation, security, transport, and hospitality plans as Sikh pilgrims prepare to visit sacred sites across Pakistan in June.
Lahore (Abu Ghazi) The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), under Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, has finalized comprehensive arrangements for the arrival of Indian Sikh pilgrims participating in two major religious events scheduled this month.
The preparations have been completed for the observance of Shaheedi Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Jor Mela) and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, both of which attract hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries every year.
Acting on the directives of ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, authorities have put in place extensive facilities to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience. Special arrangements have been made for security, transportation, accommodation, medical assistance, and langar services for visiting pilgrims.
The preparations were finalized under the supervision of Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, who oversaw coordination among relevant departments and institutions.
According to the announced schedule, Indian Sikh pilgrims arriving for the Shaheedi Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will enter Pakistan through the Wagah Border on June 10, 2026. They will first travel to Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest sites.
The pilgrims will subsequently visit several historic Sikh shrines, including Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal. Their religious journey will also include visits to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal and Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad, Gujranwala.
The pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on June 15, while the central Shaheedi Day ceremony will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on June 16, 2026. Following visits to other historical gurdwaras in Lahore, the pilgrims will return to India through the Wagah Border on June 19.
In a separate event, another group of Indian Sikh pilgrims will arrive in Pakistan on June 21, 2026 to participate in commemorations marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The main ceremony for the occasion is scheduled to take place at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on June 29, 2026.
Under the Pakistan-India Religious Pilgrimage Protocol, up to 1,000 visas are issued for Sikh pilgrims attending the Shaheedi Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, while 500 visas are allocated for pilgrims participating in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s anniversary events.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said that hosting Sikh pilgrims is both a responsibility and an honor for the Evacuee Trust Property Board. He added that every effort has been made to ensure the best possible arrangements and facilities for pilgrims visiting Pakistan to perform their religious rituals.
The visits are expected to further promote religious tourism, interfaith harmony, and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and the global Sikh community.
