Special Talk Exclusive Conversation with Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora

Nazrana Times 
Special Correspondent – Pakistan
Ali Imran Chattha
 

Wagah Border / Nankana Sahib (April 10, 2026)
The Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs & Human Rights, Punjab, and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, personally received and accompanied the Indian Sikh pilgrims from Wagah Check Post to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib.
He was extremely popular among the pilgrims. The Indian devotees took selfies with him, and the minister warmly mingled with everyone, creating a beautiful atmosphere of brotherhood.
During an exclusive interaction with the pilgrims and Nazrana Times, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said:
“Pakistan is the sacred land of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. Here, followers of all religions enjoy complete religious freedom and equal respect. Vaisakhi is not only a festival of the Sikh community but a celebration of unity, peace, and harmony for all.”
He strongly urged the Indian Government to immediately reopen the Kartarpur Corridor, giving it top priority so that Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world can easily visit Pakistan to offer prayers at the holy shrines of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.
“Sikhs and Pakistani Punjab are connected like body and soul,” Sardar Arora declared. “Every Sikh prays in the morning and evening to come to Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan and the Government of Punjab are servants of every minority, including the Sikhs. In Pakistan, everyone lives in complete brotherhood.”
Speaking directly to the Indian pilgrims, he added:
“You are our Indian brothers and sisters. When you return, please convey to your government and demand a proper Pak-India tourism package according to your wishes. We have already increased the number of visas this year. Pakistan has issued visas to more than 2,800 Sikh pilgrims despite the challenging relations this shows our strong commitment to religious tourism and people-to-people contacts.”
Many Sikh pilgrims requested to visit their ancestral villages before the 1947 Partition. Responding to their emotional request, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said:
“According to the mutual protocol between India and Pakistan, visiting ancestral villages is not possible at present. However, if there is a house belonging to your ancestors in the village, we will try to locate it and get its pictures taken for you. I have instructed my staff to note down all such requests with details and numbers so we can try our best to fulfill your wish in this way.”
He further informed:
“The Punjab Government is actively working on the reconstruction and restoration of 80 gurdwaras across the province to preserve Sikh heritage and provide better facilities for devotees.”
The minister concluded with great warmth:
 

“Pakistan is the land of Guru Nanak. You are always welcome here with open arms. We want to show the real positive face of Pakistan to the entire Sikh community and the world through this hospitality.”
The interaction was full of emotion, respect, and affection, making the arrival of the pilgrims truly memorable.