Preparations under way for Baisakhi festival

Baisakhi Festival–a most popular harvest spring festival for Sikhs–is just a week away therefore the city administration has geared up to provide security and all the facilities to the pilgrims at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hassababdal.

“All possible facilities would be provided to the pilgrims and all institutions should perform their duties honestly and diligently as no negligence would be tolerated. Pilgrims from all over the world are our guests and their hospitality is our duty,” said Attock District Police Officer (DPO) Rana Shoaib Mahmood while speaking at a meeting held to finalise security arrangements for the festival.

Attock Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Sindhu, Assistant Commissioner Inshtique Niazi, officials from Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), office bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and officials from law enforcement agencies also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the deputy commissioner and DC and Attock DPO were briefed about the arrangements made for the upcoming Baisakhi Festival to be held from April 12 to April 14.

The Attock DPO while issuing instructions to the officials concerned to provide foolproof security to the pilgrims coming from all over the world, said that the protection of the life and property of the pilgrims is their utmost responsibility. He directed the traffic in charge to manage the parking and flow of traffic during the festival. He also instructed Rescue 1122 officials to keep three vehicles on standby. He also asked WAPDA officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

Attock Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Sindhu said, “We want them to leave Pakistan with a good impression as it would help improve the image of Pakistan.”

The ETPB officials said that Sikh pilgrims from India would arrive at Hassanabdal on April 12 through special trains via the Wagha Border. They would perform their religious rituals during their three-day stay.

They added that arrangements have been finalised for free food distribution, accommodation, medical and travel facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2022.