LAHORE — Around 600 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah Border on Wednesday to observe the death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, a religious commemoration known as Jore Mela.
Key Highlights
- Approximately 600 Indian Sikh pilgrims entered Pakistan through the Wagah Border.
- The delegation arrived to observe the death anniversary of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, known as Jore Mela.
- This marks the largest influx of Sikh pilgrims for this specific occasion in 14 years.
- The main religious ceremony is scheduled to take place at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.
- Extensive security, transport, medical, and heat-prevention measures have been deployed for the visitors.
#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: A group of 541 Sikh pilgrims has departed for Pakistan. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee honoured them. The group ‘Jatha’ will take part in commemorations of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Shahid Diwas. pic.twitter.com/jwRaJgOD5v
— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2026
Strict Security and Hospitality Arrangements
The visiting delegation was formally received at the border by Punjab Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Minister Arora emphasized that Pakistan’s soil conveys a message of peace and harmony, noting that the government issued visas to all Sikh applicants wishing to attend the commemorations.
ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq highlighted the historical significance of this year’s gathering, noting that such a large number of pilgrims had arrived for Jore Mela after a gap of 14 years. Under the directives of ETPB Chairman Qamaruz Zaman, comprehensive logistics have been finalized. These include dedicated medical facilities, high-quality transport services, and specialized cooling arrangements to protect the pilgrims from the intense summer heat, alongside CCTV monitoring to ensure foolproof security.
A Sacred Connection to the Soil
Sikh delegation leaders Sardar Gurmeet Singh Bohar and Parmjeet Singh expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception, stating that they regard Pakistan as their second home and its Sikh religious sites as deeply sacred. They shared that the spiritual peace experienced upon their arrival was beyond words, expressing hope that goodwill and peace would continue to flourish between the peoples of both nations.
The pilgrims will travel to various holy sites before attending the central commemorative ceremony at Lahore’s Gurdwara Dera Sahib on June 16.
