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Thousands of Sikh pilgrims arrive in Pakistan to celebrate Guru Nanak's birth anniversary: FO
The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday said that thousands of Sikh pilgrims have arrived in Pakistan for Baba Guru Nanak's 549th birth anniversary celebrations, set to commence in Nankana Sahib.
This year, Guru Nanak's birth anniversary coincides with Eid-i-Miladun Nabi — the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — being celebrated throughout the country today.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal welcomed the Sikh devotees to Pakistan, noting that the influx includes 3,500 pilgrims from India alone.
The FO spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan is a "progressive, moderate Islamic state [where] we proudly follow the Islamic principles, which taught respect for all religions way before the human rights charter came into existence".
The celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak's birthday will continue till Nov 30.
Every year, Sikh devotees from all over the world gather at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal to celebrate Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary.
The celebrations last for more than a week, during which sacred rituals are performed at the Gurdwara and sweets and langar (free meals) are offered, irrespective of religious orientation.
Comments (41) Closed
Welcome to the land of Love and Peace. We wish you a happy stay.
Welcome to our Sikh brothers and sisters to their second home called Pakistan. We should accord them our utmost respect and deep affection.
Welcome to the nation of great people and their great leader
Welcome brothers. Pakistan has lots of love for our Sikh family.
Pakistan welcomes you with open arms
Sikhs always love Pakistan. The offer made to Sidhu Ji and ignored by BJP government won Sikhs' hearts around the world. Salam to great Pakistani hosts.
Welcome to Pakistan to our Sikh brothers
Sikhs are always welcome to their second home.
Welcome To Pakistan.
Welcome to Pakistan our Sikh brothers and sisters.
Welcome to our Sikh friends. Hope your time in Pakistan is a joyful one. Wahe Guru
to all Sikhs, welcome to Pakistan. Enjoy you time speaking PUNJABI and enjoy the local food.
Welcome. Guru Nanank was a great man, this land has produced. His message of internal peace and harmony needs to be revisited by all.
Very good
good job.
Lots of love and respect in Punjab for their ancestors. Long live Sikh and Pakistan friendship.
The people of Pakistan warmly welcome our Sikh brothers from India and across the world to celebrate Guru Nanaks' birth anniversary.
Welcome our Sikh brothers and sisters.
Welcome, welcome and welcome my Sikh family.
Love you Baba Nanak. I'm Sufi follower of Baba Farid we Pakistanis love Sikhs, Baba Krishna followers and all human welcome to Pakistan.
I welcome all those Sikhs visiting Pakistan, who are here to perform their religious duties, and say to them advocate to your country fellows, what you have seen, observed and experienced during your visit and clarify unjust misconceptions and myths about our country. Enjoy your trip and have a good time!
welcome to the land of the Sufis.
Welcome to our beloved neighbours. If there was visa free access between our nations, the number of Sikh pilgrims would have been closer to 350,000 rather than just 3,500.
More than welcome, just feel at home. Sikhs must be issued visas easily.
A Hearty welcome to Pakistan.
welcome and enjoy
Pakistan always welcomes Sikh yatrees with open arms. Thank you, I will apply for visa next year, Rab Rakha! Pakistan/Khalistan Zindabad!
Welcome to the fertile "Land of the Pure" and soil of the brave, hardworking and intelligent people, known all over the world as the best welcoming hosts. Keep it up and hang on tough. Have a wonderful stay.
@Arshad, - where is that land?
Only Love can heal all the wounds. We love to have you, as our guests.
Welcome home , sons of the soil.
Welcome to Pakistan, land of your ancestors. Enjoy the celebration.
A big welcome to Sikh community in Pakistan and we wish you all a very enjoyable and memorable stay in Pakistan. Pakistanis always support Sikh community. Love and peace is a message from Pakistan.
More Sikhs should visit Pakistan. 3,500 is a very small number. India should not create hurdle in blocking Sikhs to visit Pakistan. Pakistan welcomes Sikhs whole heartedly.
We are welcoming the same people in 2018 !
Hope they enjoy their visit.
@Kia Karein, It will be difficult to manage for logistical reasons.
Very good
Brothers and Sisters You are most welcome to Pakistan.
I belong to Nankana Sahib. I was very happy to read that a renowned paper of Pakistan is informing the people of Pakistan that Sikhs are visiting Nankana Sahib to attend the birth anniversary of their spiritual leader Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib. However, to my surprise the writer then wrote and I quote " Every year, Sikh devotees from all over the world gather at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal to celebrate Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary." I am surprised that your paper has no idea where Guru Nanak was born, Nankana Sahib or Hassanabdal?
Welcome
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad,
Partially agreed