A Jatha of around thousand sikh pilgrims has arrived in Pakistan today on the eve of Baisakhi on 14th of April. SGPC organizes this tour every year to celebrate Baisakhi Mela at Nankana Sahib. The Jatha arrived by special train.

The pilgrims will attend Baisakhi celebrations at Nankana Sahib and then they will visit Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Shekhupura on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Indian Home Ministry recommended to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee to not send Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan keeping in view the current law and order condition there. SGPC president S. Avtar Singh Makkar however asked Sikh pilgrims to go to Pakistan at their own risk and said he had a talk with Pakistan High Commission on this issue but SGPC can’t guarantee pilgrims’ security.

Also, Pakistan Government has for the first time employed Para Military Forces to ensure security of Sikh pilgrims. Last year, 4000 sikhs from around the world attended Baisakhi celebrations though this time the count may be less due to current law and order situation in Pakistan.

The Sikh Jatha reached Pakistan in a group of 4 trains. The first Jatha comprising 290 Sikh pilgrims reached Wagah railway station this morning under tight security.

Tags: baisakhi mela, pakistan, SGPC, sikh pilgrims

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