Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border to take part in the annual Jore Mela commemorations marking the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
The pilgrims were received by Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and representatives of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee upon their arrival, according to a report today.
Authorities said special arrangements had been put in place for the visiting pilgrims, including accommodation, transport, healthcare, and security measures. Officials also introduced enhanced protections in response to the ongoing heatwave, alongside CCTV surveillance to ensure security throughout the religious gatherings.
ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said the arrival of such a large group of pilgrims was the first in 14 years, adding that the government had made extensive logistical preparations to facilitate their stay and participation in religious rituals.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Pakistan’s land carried a message of peace, religious harmony, and interfaith coexistence. He further said that visas had been issued to all Sikh applicants wishing to attend the religious festival.
Members of the visiting Sikh delegation, including Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh, described Pakistan as their ‘second home,’ saying the country’s Sikh heritage sites held deep spiritual importance for their community.
They expressed satisfaction with the hospitality extended by Pakistani authorities and voiced optimism that goodwill, peace, and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and India would continue to improve.
Officials confirmed that the main Jore Mela ceremony will take place on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.