Indian origin pilgrims to visit Punjab province

ISLAMABAD: Ten thousand pilgrims, including 4,000 of Indian origin, are expected to visit Hasanabdal in Pakistan's Punjab province this month to participate in religious rituals in connection with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has made arrangements for the Sikh pilgrims at Hassanabdal, the Board's Deputy Administrator (shrines) Syed Faraz Abbas told reporters in Wah cantonment on Sunday.

The ETPB, organisations like the Pakistan Gurdawara Parbhanbak Committee and the local administration have made arrangements for the board and lodging of the pilgrims. They will be accommodated in several gurdwaras, where free food will be served to them.

The pilgrims will arrive on November 25 to participate in religious rituals being held at Gurdawara Punja Sahib.

Abbas said some 100 pilgrims each from Afghanistan and Dubai and 80 from Iran are also expected to join the rituals.

Strict security measures will be adopted to avert any untoward incidents in the area, he said.