Pakistan Wins Hearts of Sikh Pilgrims During Guru Nanak Dev Ji Celebrations

The Sikh Nation Has Deep Love for Pakistan’s Land — Akal Takht’s Giani Kuldip Singh Gurdgaj
Sikh Community Praises Pakistan’s Warm Hospitality at Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Anniversary

Faith, Peace and Brotherhood Mark Guru Nanak’s 556th Birth Celebrations in Nankana Sahib
Ali Imran Chattha  NANKANA SAHIB, Nov 5, 2025
 

The 556th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s spiritual founder, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, concluded at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib under the arrangements of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Addressing the main ceremony, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said, “All religions are worthy of respect and teach peace. Faiths may differ, but humanity is shared.” He commended the cooperation of federal and provincial departments in extending exceptional hospitality to Sikh pilgrims, noting that millions of rupees had been spent to ensure their comfort and security.
Yousaf added that during the recent floods, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur suffered damage but was fully restored within 24 hours under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
From India, Giani Kuldip Singh Gurdgaj of the Akal Takht said, “The Sikh nation holds deep affection for Pakistan’s soil. We are moving freely here without any restrictions. The Sikh community is grateful to the Government of Pakistan for the honor and respect we receive. This is the sacred land of our Gurus.” He added that the Sikh faith carries a universal message of peace and brotherhood, and that the people of both countries desire harmony and unity.
Bibi Gurinder Kaur, leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee jatha, said that “Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught the importance of respect and rights for women. We are deeply pleased with the arrangements for female pilgrims and the honor we have received in Pakistan.”
Sardar Ravinder Singh Swaita, head of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee delegation, said Pakistan had always kept its doors open for Sikh pilgrims. He thanked the Government of India for approving their visit to this “blessed land.”
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, expressed gratitude to the ETPB leadership, local administration, and security agencies for their support. He said, “The Sikh community is the crown of Pakistan. The government’s doors are always open to Sikh pilgrims, who will return home carrying Pakistan’s message of peace, love, and respect.”
Nasir Mushtaq, Additional Secretary Shrines at the ETPB, congratulated Sikh pilgrims and said it was a great honor for Pakistan that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on its sacred land. “Through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan sends a message of love not only to the Sikh community but to the entire world,” he said. He added that during the Vaisakhi festival, Pakistan issued four times more visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims than the agreed protocol, without rejecting a single one.
The ceremony was also addressed by Minister of State for Sports Das Kohistani, Dr. Shizra Mansab, and several other Sikh and political figures. Attendees included ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Secretary Farid Iqbal, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, the Deputy Commissioner, District Police Officer, Hindu leaders, and representatives of various minority and political groups.
At the conclusion, Sikh leaders presented special gifts to the federal minister and other dignitaries. Indian pilgrims also visited Gurdwara Kiara Sahib, Gurdwara Bal Lila Sahib, Gurdwara Patti Sahib, and Gurdwara Tamboo Sahib in Nankana Sahib.
The celebrations ended with a Palki Sahib procession from Gurdwara Janam Asthan to Gurdwara Kiara Sahib. On November 6, Sikh pilgrims will visit Sucha Sauda, Farooqabad, before proceeding to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal.