Better facilities for Sikh yatrees during Vaisakhi Mela, says Arora

LAHORE: Pradhan Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC)/Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that better facilities will be provided to Sikh yatrees during Vaisakhi Mela.

He said this while addressing a press conference along with ten members of PSGPC in the committee room of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on Monday.

Ramesh Singh Arora said that three Gurdwaras will be made functional this year. He said that Sikh Marriage Act had been passed in 2018 and now it will be implemented soon after the approval of the provincial cabinet. The PSGPC has been notified and the 10-member committee will be responsible for all its affairs while going to form the secretariat of the committee to manage the issues of Gurdwaras properly.

He said that special trains for yatrees would be run to ensure best travelling arrangements. The visas will be issued under the protocol agreed between Pakistan and India while the government of Pakistan has approved the schedule for Vaisakhi Mela celebrations. The yatrees will reach Pakistan via Wagah check post on April 13 and Gurdwaras will provide free accommodation to them.

He said the pilgrims will be provided free food, medical facilities in Pakistan while foolproof security arrangements are being ensured.

He said that the stay of Indian Sikh pilgrims in the provincial capital has been extended for two days. A ten-member Sikh International Advisory Council is being formed and the recommendations of the Advisory Council will be implemented, he added.

In response to a question, Arora said that the PSGPC would establish a central office in Lahore while Sikh community feeling proud that for the first time a woman has become the general secretary of the committee.