The Punjab Government of Pakistan plans to provide PKR 10,000 to 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families each in the province during the celebrations of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary and Diwali. Punjab Government will distribute a 'festival card' to 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families in the province. Each family will receive PKR 10,000 (approximately INR 3,000) during the celebrations of Guru Nanak's birth anniversary and Diwali. Officials have confirmed that special preparations have been made for foreign pilgrims who are anticipated to arrive next month to commemorate the 555th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev.
The Punjab Government spokesperson said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz instructed relevant authorities to promptly begin issuing festival cards to "our Hindu and Sikh brethren." The Punjab cabinet has given the go-ahead for the distribution of a 'festival card' to 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families, providing them with PKR 10,000 to observe their religious festivals - the upcoming birthday anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak and Diwali.
Beginning this year, the funds from the festival card will be distributed annually to these 2,200 families. A visa automation system has been implemented to help with visa issuance for foreign pilgrims, including 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India and 1,000 from other countries. They are expected to arrive next month to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev's 555th birth anniversary.
Besides offering all essential amenities, special transportation arrangements are being organized for Sikh pilgrims. Additionally, 100 security personnel employed by the Board are receiving specialized training in order to guarantee security at the event. Sikh pilgrims from India are expected to arrive in Pakistan via the Wagah border on November 14.
The main ceremony of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary will be held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib on November 15. Punjab’s first Sikh minister Ramesh Singh Arora said earlier this year, the ‘Prakash Purb’ (celebration of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary) would be observed with great enthusiasm.
