Pak expecting devotee rush for Guru Nanak birth anniv

Amritsar: Ramesh Singh Arora, the first Sikh provincial minister of Pakistan’s Punjab, on Monday claimed that a significant number of Sikh diaspora was expected to visit the country for the 555 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
He attributed the increased expectations to several factors, including the implementation of friendly policies, streamlined visa facilitation processes, and ongoing development projects at various gurdwaras.
Talking to TOI after chairing a meeting of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a Pakistan govt department entrusted with the responsibility of the maintenance of religious shrines and properties of the Sikhs and Hindus left in Pakistan after the Partition in 1947, in Lahore on Monday, Arora said: “Previously, the annual attendance ranged between 1,500 to 2,000 visitors. However this year, around 15,000 Sikhs are anticipated to participate in the celebrations, with many already arriving.”
Stating that the meeting was held to review the arrangements for the arrival of pilgrims, Arora, who is also the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, said they were expecting over 60,000 pilgrims on the occasion of Baba Nanak’s birth anniversary with over 15,000 Sikh diaspora.
He said the Pakistan govt had created a conducive environment for the diaspora through friendly policies such as introduction of online visa facility for 121 countries, and the development and opening of multiple gurdwaras. “These efforts have cultivated a more inviting atmosphere for the Sikh pilgrims,” said Arora.