Guru Arjan’s anniversary: Symbolic reception held at Wagah Border

LAHORE:A special symbolic reception ceremony was held at the Wagah Border to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

The event aimed to demonstrate solidarity with the Sikh community in Pakistan and reaffirm the country’s commitment to interfaith harmony. The ceremony was attended by the Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with the Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Additional Secretary of Shrines, and members of the PSGPC.

During his address, Arora emphasised the importance of respecting religious freedoms, calling it a fundamental responsibility of every nation. He expressed regret over India’s refusal to allow Sikh yatrees to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan and the suspension of operations at the Kartarpur Corridor. He described these actions as a direct violation of religious harmony and an affront to the sentiments of Sikh devotees.

“While Sikh yatrees return from Pakistan with messages of peace and spiritual fulfillment, India has blocked these rituals by denying them visas,” Arora stated. He said Pakistan has consistently extended its support to the Sikh community, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity, calling Pakistan their second home.