LAHORE: A party of 2,000 Sikh pilgrims is arriving in Lahore from India via Husainiwala border tomorrow [April 10] on their way to Hasan Abdal (district Campbellpur) to celebrate “Baisakhi” festival. They will enter Pakistan in batches. The first batch is expected to cross the border at 11-00 a.m.

During their five-day stay in Pakistan, the Sikh pilgrims will visit various gurdwaras and shrines. They will also pay their homage at the “Marhi” of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore. After entering Pakistan, the Sikh pilgrims will board special trains which will carry them to Hasan Abdal where they will perform religious rites at Panja Sahib. On their way back, they will stay in Lahore for a day.

The Provincial Government has made elaborate arrangements for providing transport, food and accommodation to the pilgrims. Reception camps have been set up to receive them and provide them with food and other facilities. The Lahore district administration has also made arrangements to accord a befitting reception to Sikh pilgrims. — Agency

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Peshawar,] The District Magistrate Peshawar has prohibited firing of shots on marriage ceremonies and other occasions.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2019