Sikh pilgrims gather for Baisakhi at Panja Sahib

Authorities finalise security, logistical arrangements to ensure smooth, safe experience

HASSAN ABDAL:

The security arrangements for the three-day Baisakhi Festival 2025 at the revered Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal, were finalised on Thursday. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims arriving from across Pakistan and abroad.

Local administration and law enforcement agencies have mobilised to ensure smooth arrangements and top-tier security.

Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak, along with Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa visited the Gurdwara to inspect the arrangements. During the visit, Attock District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan briefed them on the security plan and other facilities arranged for the pilgrims.

Speaking to the meeting, Commissioner Khattak stated, "The Baisakhi festival is not only a symbol of religious harmony but also reflects Pakistan's commitment to interfaith respect and hospitality. Every effort will be made to provide the best possible facilities to the visiting pilgrims."

RPO Alpa reviewed the security arrangements and directed all officers on duty to remain vigilant given the current national security environment. "Police officers must perform their duties with utmost dedication and alertness to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests," he emphasized.

Attock Police have implemented a foolproof security plan involving special deployment of personnel, CCTV surveillance, walk-through gates, and plainclothes security officers. Additional measures have been taken for traffic control, emergency response, and crowd management.

Pilgrims from Europe, Canada, and other parts of the world have already started arriving at Hassan Abdal to participate in religious rituals at the historic Gurdwara Panja Sahib, which holds great spiritual significance in Sikhism.

This historical Baisakhi festival takes place every April at the famous Gurdwara located in Hassan Abdal. The gurdwara is home to a stone with Guru Nanak's handprint, which is preserved inside a building in the town, typically locked, but opened for Sikh and other visitors.

The gurdwara was constructed in 1823 by Sardar Hari Singh. Until 1920, it was under the control of Hindu priests, but after resistance from Sikhs, it came under the administration of the Sikh Panth along with other gurdwaras.

In 1933, the building underwent renovation, and despite being 205 years old, its grandeur still shines. The building is strong, visually stunning, and highly attractive. Gurdwara Panja Sahib is the largest gurdwara for Sikhs in the area, spanning 396 square yards, with two-story rooms surrounding it. There are also underground rooms, and shops are situated around the perimeter. The gurdwara owns several properties in Hassan Abdal, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Hazro.