Sikh pilgrims return after attending Vaisakhi festival

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) More than 2,200 Indian Sikh pilgrims on Sunday departed for India via Wagah Border after attending the Vaisakhi festival in Pakistan, carrying with them a message of peace, love and interfaith harmony.

Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property board (ETPB) Qamar-uz-Zaman, Additional Secretary (Shrines) Nasir Mushtaq and other officials saw off the pilgrims at the border.

Speaking on the occasion, Jatha leader Sardar Harjeet Singh described the visit as memorable, while another pilgrim, Sardar Surjeet Singh, said Pakistan had set a new example of respect and love for minorities. The pilgrims expressed heartfelt gratitude for the hospitality extended to them, noting that they were provided with excellent arrangements including accommodation, transport, medical care and security.

They said that despite regional tensions, the Government of Pakistan ensured a peaceful environment and full freedom for religious practices. Many pilgrims admitted that they had arrived with certain negative perceptions, which were dispelled by the warmth, respect and care they experienced during their stay.

ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman said that serving minorities was a matter of pride and that Pakistan stood as a practical example of interfaith harmony where people of all religions enjoyed complete freedom. He added that the positive feedback from Sikh pilgrims reflected the country’s true and soft image, and the government would continue to promote religious tourism.

Punjab Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, in his media talk, said the pilgrims were served wholeheartedly from their arrival to departure. He remarked that negative portrayals of Pakistan in certain segments of Indian media stood in contrast to the emotions witnessed at the time of departure, which reflected the country’s peaceful and hospitable environment. He also referred to the closure of the Kartarpur Corridor and urged the Indian authorities to consider its reopening.

Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said that serving pilgrims was an honour and that maximum facilities had been ensured for them. He added that the growing number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan was a sign of their trust, and further steps would be taken to facilitate religious tourism in the future.