By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The central ceremony of the Jor Mela commemorating the martyrdom of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was held with great religious devotion and reverence at the historic Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, drawing Sikh pilgrims and devotees from Pakistan and abroad.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, attended the event as chief guest and addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Arora said that Pakistan remains committed to welcoming Sikh pilgrims from around the world and recognizes the profound spiritual significance the country holds for the global Sikh community. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) are actively working to facilitate pilgrims and preserve Sikh religious heritage sites.

He revealed that efforts are underway to reopen nearly 50 historic gurdwaras across Pakistan in phases. Restoration and activation work on 17 gurdwaras has already commenced under the first phase of the initiative. In addition, restoration and renovation projects at temples belonging to other minority communities are continuing across the country to help preserve Pakistan’s diverse religious heritage.

“Pakistan is the birthplace of Sikhism and the first home of the Sikh community,” Arora said, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious sites and promoting interfaith harmony.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman and Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, acknowledging their role in ensuring comprehensive arrangements for the visiting pilgrims.

According to officials, pilgrims were provided with accommodation, langar (community meals), transportation, medical facilities, and other essential services under the directions of the federal government. Extensive security measures were also implemented by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, district administration, and law enforcement agencies throughout the pilgrimage.

Representing the visiting Indian Sikh delegation, Sardar Bhupinder Singh praised the arrangements made by the Government of Pakistan and the ETPB. He described the accommodation, transportation, langar services, and medical support as exemplary and commended the maintenance and preservation of Sikh religious sites in the country.

The pilgrims expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and noted that religious sites in the country are now more secure, peaceful, and well-maintained than ever before. They also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to foster interfaith harmony and religious coexistence.

The visiting Sikh pilgrims are scheduled to conclude their 10-day pilgrimage and return to India on June 19.