ISLAMABAD: A large number of Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries visit Pakistan to mark the 185thdeath anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The pilgrimage started at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, in Hassan Abdal and the pilgrims reached in caravans from Gurdwara Nankana Sahib through a special shuttle service.
The Sikh pilgrims lauded the government and security forces for making the best food arrangements and accommodation. They praised the Gurdwara Committee, Army, and Police for providing them excellent services.
Expressing their sentiments, the pilgrims said that they received more love in Pakistan than they had imagined. They appreciated the warm reception and were very happy with the experience overall.
The religious event at Gurdwara Panja Sahib was well-organized, and the pilgrims felt deeply moved by the hospitality of Pakistan.
Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora on the occasion said that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the rights of religious minorities.
The visa to Indian pilgrims is issued under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974. Each year, a large number of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan to observe various religious events.
In April this year, more than 3000 Sikh pilgrims from India visited Pakistan to take part in Besakhi Mela. The pilgrims reached Pakistan through the Wagha border to participate in the Mela.
Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world including India, also participated in three-day celebrations to mark the 553rd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak at Gurudwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib in December last year.
