Sikh pilgrims head home after Vaisakhi festival praising Pakistani hospitality

Indian Sikh pilgrims are returning home after completing their religious visit to Pakistan, carrying positive impressions of hospitality, facilities and interfaith engagement during the Vaisakhi festival and the 327th birth anniversary of the Khalsa. Officials said a total of 2,238 pilgrims arrived on April 10 to participate in religious ceremonies at key gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The pilgrims performed rituals and offered special prayers for peace, interfaith harmony and improved relations between Pakistan and India. The Vesakhi celebrations, organised by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), included religious and cultural events. A ceremony was also held at Dyal Singh Trust Library under the World Centre for Punjabi, attended by a large number of pilgrims. Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, the chief guest, said Pakistan accords high importance to its religious ties with the Sikh community and provides equal facilities to all pilgrims. Pilgrims said they were provided clean water, quality food and well-organised langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by local people. PHOTO: EXPRESS He said pilgrims were given religious freedom and international-standard arrangements in line with directives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and ETPB Chairman Qamar Zaman. He also thanked the local administration, health authorities and security institutions for facilitating the events. Read More: Thousands mark Baisakhi with deep devotion Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transport. Group leader Sardar Surjit Singh told the media that gurdwaras in Pakistan were well-maintained and more secure, while facilities for visitors had improved. Other pilgrims said they were provided clean water, quality food and well-organised langar services, and appreciated the respect extended by local people. During their stay, pilgrims visited historical sites in Lahore, including the Lahore Fort and Walled City areas. They were taken on guided tours via double-decker buses covering Mall Road, Liberty Chowk and other landmarks. Many also visited Anarkali Bazaar and Shah Alam Market for shopping. A cultural programme featuring music and local cuisine was held in honour of the pilgrims at Hazuri Bagh. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over arrangements, including accommodation, medical care and transport. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS Separately, an interfaith conference was held at Iqbal Hall within the Badshahi Mosque complex under the Auqaf Department, in line with directives of the Punjab chief minister. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Bishop Kamran Nadeem, Bhagat Lal and members of the Sikh delegation. Speakers emphasised religious tolerance and harmony, stating that such initiatives help reduce misunderstandings and promote mutual trust. Officials said restoration of religious sites and provision of modern facilities to visitors remain a priority. The pilgrims are scheduled to depart for India via the Wagah border on April 19 after completing their visit.