LAHORE (APP) - Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that special wards will be established in hospitals in Lahore and Faisalabad to facilitate Sikh pilgrims arriving for the birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He made this announcement while chairing a joint meeting with Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora on Saturday to review arrangements for the upcoming festivities.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, on the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all arrangements for the birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak are being closely monitored. “Every religion and sect holds Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in high regard. The purpose of visiting Nankana Sahib is to express solidarity with the Sikh community,” he said.
He emphasized that the safety and well-being of Sikh pilgrims are the government’s top priorities. “Officers and officials on duty should treat the pilgrims with utmost courtesy. Special wards in hospitals will ensure quality healthcare, while food and other facilities should remain uninterrupted,” the minister added.
He also praised the district administration for making excellent arrangements for the celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that the festivities will begin with the ritual of Akhand Pat, and the main event will take place at Gurdwara Janam Asthan on November 5. A Nagar Kirtan procession will also be held.
He informed that around 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India will arrive via Wagah border, while nearly 30,000 devotees from across Pakistan and abroad will participate in the celebrations. “Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally attends events of minority communities. Provision of goods at fixed rates and a smooth traffic plan must be ensured,” he said.