NAROWAL: Sikh pilgrims from around the globe were warmly welcomed in Pakistan on the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

The celebrations were held at Gurdwara Babe Di Beri, Sialkot, where the administration greeted visitors with flower bouquets and showered petals upon them.

Pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Canada, the United States, Dubai, and other countries performed religious rituals at the historic site. To mark the occasion, sweets were distributed, and meals were served in the Langar Hall, with drinks provided as part of the traditional hospitality.

Sardar Surinder Singh and Amrit Singh, visitors from Canada, praised the Pakistani government for its consistent efforts in maintaining and beautifying Sikh gurdwaras, saying that they enjoyed warm hospitality extended to the Sikh community by the government.

“Pakistan is the only country in the world where the government spends millions annually on Sikh Gurdwara decoration,” said one of the visitors.

Other pilgrims, including Sardar Shahnshah Singh and Darya Singh, expressed admiration for the love and respect shown by the people of Pakistan.

They praised Pakistan’s exemplary efforts in safeguarding religious freedom, which they said served as a model for other nations.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zulqarnain and District Police Officer Rana Umar Farooq visited the gurdwara to ensure foolproof security arrangements, including strict entry protocols and CCTV monitoring.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2024