LAHORE, Oct 09 (APP):The 492nd birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das Ji is being celebrated with the participation of Sikh pilgrims from across Pakistan, the UK, the USA and Canada.
Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Nasir Mushtaq attended the celebrations as chief guest, along with PSGPC Secretary General Stawan Kaur, Sardar Tara Singh, Dr Mampal Singh and other Sikh community leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Mushtaq said Guru Ram Das Ji’s message of peace, brotherhood, love, equality and service to humanity continued to inspire people. He said it was an honour for Pakistan that Guru Ram Das Ji was born in Lahore.
He announced that the birthplace of Guru Ram Das Ji at Chuna Mandi, Lahore, was being expanded to facilitate Sikh pilgrims and provide them with better facilities for performing religious rituals. A 13-marla commercial plot adjacent to the gurdwara would be incorporated into its premises to support the expansion.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by the Sikh community, while members of the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and others expressed gratitude to the ETPB chairman and secretary.
Pakistan remains committed to protecting Sikh religious sites and cultural heritage, according to ETPB Secretary Nasir Mushtaq. Highlighting that free accommodation, langar, and medical care are provided to all visitors under the directives of Chairman Qamar Zaman, Mushtaq assured that special security measures are in place. He also called on India to facilitate travel for Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit Pakistan for Guru Ram Das Ji’s birth anniversary.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
