The pilgrims were warmly received by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Additional Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq.

Senior officials, including the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, were also present to welcome the guests. Members of the Sikh committee and other representatives joined the reception ceremony.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora welcomed the pilgrims and said Pakistan is the sacred land of Guru Nanak, adding that Sikh pilgrims from India are always welcome here. He said issuing visas to more than 2,800 pilgrims, despite difficult Pakistan-India relations, is an important step.

He added that Pakistan has always supported peace and continued to welcome Sikh pilgrims even during challenging times. He said even critics recognize Pakistan’s efforts to promote harmony and religious respect.

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The leader of the pilgrim group, Sardar Harjit Singh Pappa, said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and that Sikhs from around the world wish to visit because of the respect they receive here.

Another pilgrim, Sardar Chintok Singh, thanked the Pakistani government for issuing 2,840 visas, saying this was a positive gesture despite border challenges.

Officials said full arrangements have been made for the visitors, including accommodation, food, transport, and medical care, to ensure a comfortable stay.

Pilgrims from Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Delhi were welcomed at Wagah and served refreshments after completing immigration and customs procedures.

They will travel in groups to Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, with the first convoy already departing under strict security. The main Vaisakhi ceremony will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.