The Nankana Sahib Deputy commissioner has declared a public holiday on November 15 across the district in honour of the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Deputy Commissioner Taslim Akhtar Rao has issued a notification in this regard. The birth anniversary celebrations will run from November 13 to 16. The celebrations are expected to draw thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across Pakistan and around the world to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak. 

The district administration has coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all attendees, especially the large influx of foreign visitors. Last week, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, visited Nankana Sahib to review security preparations for Sikh pilgrims attending the upcoming 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak at Gurdwara Janam Asthan.

During their visit, they inspected key entry and exit points of the city and provided necessary directives to enhance security. Deputy Commissioner Tasleem Akhtar Rao and District Police Officer Syed Nadeem Abbas briefed the minister and home secretary on the security arrangements from the control room. Arora claimed that more than 60,000 Sikh pilgrims from around the world were expected to visit Nankana Sahib between November 13 and 16. Later, the pilgrims will visit other significant sites, including Farooqabad, Sheikhupura, Hassan Abdal, Kartarpur, Eimanabad, and Lahore.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan