2,600 Indian Sikhs reach Lahore

Over 2,600 Sikh pilgrims arrived at the Wagah Railway Station here on Thursday from India to take part in the religious and cultural rituals to mark the 549th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after Hindu temples, churches and gurudwaras in Pakistan, said it will provide foolproof security, transport, accommodation and other facilities to the pilgrims, Dawn reported.

The Pakistan High Commission in Delhi said it had issued visas to over 2,600 Indian Sikhs who planned to make a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Punja Sahib.

The visas were issued "in line with the Pakistan government's efforts to promote religious tourism and people-to-people interactions", a statement said.

Soon after their arrival, the pilgrims left for the birthplace of Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib.

The main function will be held at Nankana Sahib on November 4. After that, the devotees will leave for Punja Sahib and return to Lahore on November 9. The pilgrims will leave for India on November 11. - IANS