Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from all over the world gathered on Saturday at Gurdawara Dera Sahib to observe the 401st martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev Jee.

The day started with special religious services which ended after Bhog Sahib, which was held after the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, was read in two days. The special service of Akand Part Sahib started on June 14 by the Granthis, which continued for two consecutive days and on Saturday the book reading finished.

The Sikh community offered special prayers for peace and tolerance in the world, resolution of all problems and strong bonds between India and Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board Zulfiqar Ali Khan said the government had already spent Rs 137 million for renovation of the Gurdawaras while Rs 140 projects were under way. He said Sikh pilgrims were always welcomed whenever they wanted to visit their holy places.

He said that after the announcement by the federal government on the liberal visa policy, the issue was resolved and now the Sikhs were given as much visas as they wanted during their pilgrimage to Pakistan. He said the government was taking every possible step to make the pilgrimage of Sikhs comfortable and for the purpose suggestions and proposals were always welcomed.

Shiromani Gurdawara Prabhadhak Committee (SGPC) Chief Sardar Avtar Singh Makkar, who specially came to Lahore on a two-day visit, said he was pleased to see the renovation of their holy places and thanked the Pakistan government for its interest in renovating Sikh religious places. He said the SGPC was ready for donating 100 air-conditioners to Gurdawara Dera Sahib.