Pakistan’s Punjab province has decided to offer cash PKR 10,000 to 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families each ahead of Diwali and Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, PTI reported on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Punjab government said that chief minister Maryam Nawaz had instructed the relevant authorities to begin issuing festival cards to “our Hindu and Sikh brothers” without delay.
Meanwhile, special arrangements have been made for foreign pilgrims expected to arrive next month to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
“All arrangements will be closely monitored to ensure that no effort is spared in the hospitality of the pilgrims,” Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) additional secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said.
“The pilgrims will be provided with the best accommodation, transportation, and food services,” he added.
A visa automation system has been implemented to streamline the issuance of visas for foreign pilgrims, including over 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India and 1,000 from other countries, who are expected to arrive next month for the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, according to Khokhar.
In addition to necessary facilities, special transportation arrangements are being made for the Sikh pilgrims, and 100 security guards from the Board are receiving specialized training to ensure safety during the event.
The ceremony of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary is set to be held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib on November 15.