LAHORE: A second group of 337 Indian Sikhs arrived in the country through Wagah border on Sunday to participate in the Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary events.

The main ceremonies marking the Maharaja’s death anniversary will be held on June 29 at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.

On their arrival, the Sikh visitors were warmly welcomed by officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).

The reception was attended by ETPB Chairman Qamarul Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas and other officials.

Mr Arora said the ETPB had made excellent arrangements for the accommodation and travel of the visiting Sikhs. He expressed satisfaction that a large number of young Sikhs are also participating in the event.

Mr Zaman said Pakistan is taking practical steps to promote religious tourism and interfaith harmony, adding that Sikh visitors are being provided with a safe, peaceful and friendly environment during their stay.

He said the board remained committed to the preservation and improvement of minority worship places across the country.

Mr Mushtaq said comprehensive arrangements had been made for the visitors, including special security, transportation, accommodation, free food and medical assistance.

Rescue 1122 vehicles and ambulances have also been deployed with the visitors’ convoy.

Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee appreciated the reception and arrangements made for them, thanking the Pakistan government for its hospitality. They said Pakistan is playing a commendable role in promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026