Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan to participate in the death anniversary celebrations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, organized by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, visited the historic Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal on Wednesday. The pilgrims performed their religious rituals with great devotion and reverence and also paid respects at the shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari.
The pilgrims offered prayers at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, participated in special religious ceremonies, and fulfilled their religious obligations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board had made special arrangements for the visiting pilgrims to ensure their comfort and convenience.
Additional Secretary Shrines of the ETPB, Nasir Mushtaq, visited Gurdwara Panja Sahib and reviewed the facilities being provided to the pilgrims. He inspected accommodation, langar (community kitchen), cleanliness, medical services, transportation, and security arrangements. He directed the concerned officials to ensure that there was no shortcoming in serving and facilitating the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Indian Sikh pilgrims highly appreciated the hospitality and arrangements provided in Pakistan. They expressed their gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, Chairman ETPB Qamar-ul-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, and the local administration for their support and excellent management.
The pilgrims stated that Pakistan’s historic gurdwaras are not only well protected but are also being maintained and renovated in an exemplary manner. They noted that the gurdwaras appear more beautiful and better preserved than before, while restoration and renovation work has further enhanced their historical grandeur and significance.
According to the schedule, the Indian Sikh pilgrims will depart for Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur tomorrow, while the main ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be held on June 29 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.