Peace lamp carries message of unity from Pakistan to India

A group of Sikh pilgrims from Malaysia, carrying a 'aman ka deep' (lamp of piece) symbolising peace, have departed from Pakistan via the Wagah border, bound for India.

The torch, representing interfaith harmony and love, will travel through several countries before returning to Malaysia, where it will be kept alight forever as a symbol of unity.

Led by Sardar Baldev Singh, the Malaysian delegation of three pilgrims arrived in Pakistan earlier this week.

They first visited the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where they collected Amrit Jal (holy water) from the well associated with Baba Guru Nanak Ji. Following this, the peace torch was lit at the Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Additional Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Saifullah Khokhar, told The Express Tribune that the pilgrims have now left Pakistan for India.

They will visit various sacred Sikh sites across different Indian states before continuing their journey through Sri Lanka and other countries.

The torch will return to Malaysia, where it will remain permanently illuminated at the Gurdwara Sahib to mark the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Punjab's Minister for Minority Affairs described the torch as "a beacon of light travelling from darkness to illumination, promoting peace around the world."

He said that the initiative was not just a symbol of peace between Pakistan and India, but a broader message of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony for all.