Head of Akal Takht to lead Sikh jatha to Punjab

By Asif Mehmood Butt
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November 05, 2025
A group of Sikh pilgrims arrives in Pakistan to attend the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of founder of Sikh religion Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Nankana Sahib. — Radio Pakistan/File

LAHORE: The Punjab Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department has asked the Home Department to arrange foolproof security for Sikh pilgrims visiting the province to mark the 556th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from November 4 to 13.

The pilgrim ‘Jatha” will be lead by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gajraj, the Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht in Amritsar—custodian of the highest temporal seat of the Sikh faith (Head of the Akal Takht).

In a formal communication issued, the department headed by Minister for Minorities Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora referenced the minister’s discussion with Home Department officials and requested the deployment of two dedicated security squads to accompany the visiting delegation throughout its itinerary.

The letter notes that Sikh yatrees are scheduled to arrive “from different places,” including India, and calls for comprehensive arrangements during the entire period of observances. The department emphasised that the security plan should remain in effect across the full 10-day programme.