SHEIKHUPURA, Nov 15: The Sikh pilgrims visiting Nankana Sahib to celebrate the 536th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Jee, took out a Palky procession as the main rite of the festival on Tuesday. Thousands of pilgrims, wearing traditional multi-coloured dresses, participated in the procession barefooted, which started from Janam Asthan Gurdawara at noon.

The pilgrims, moving along the main routes, also visited the seven other Gurdawaras in the city to pay homage to the founder of the Sikh religion.

In the evening, the pilgrims again gathered in Janam Asthan Gurdawara and recited Granth Sahib.

Religious Affairs Minister Ijazul Haq, on the behalf of president and prime minister of Pakistan, welcomed the pilgrims at Nankana Sahib.

The minister said though the country was facing crucial circumstances due to the devastation caused by recent earthquake, the government had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims as a sign of love and fraternity.

Sikh community leader Sardar Boota Singh Nangal, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the arrangements made by the Pakistani government for the pilgrims.

addicts expire: Two out of five heroin addicts brought to the Mayo Hospital in critical condition died on Tuesday.

The other three are stated to be still critical in the hospital.

Reports said the five addicts, identified as Ibrar, Rehmat, Azhar, Iftikhar and Shahid, all resident of Luban Wala village, took adulterated heroin. Their condition deteriorated soon after taking the substance and they were shifted to the hospital in Lahore, where Ibrar and Rehmat died.

Ferozewala police are investigating.