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Lahore, Pakistan (KP) - On their recent visit to Pakistan, the delegation from the SGPC expressed satisfaction with the management of different Gurdwara Sahibs that are under the control of the PSGPC, or Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and the Pakistan Government. The delegation that was headed by Gopal Singh Janiya, from Amritsar Sahib, said that there was a big need to increase the number of pilgrim visas so Sikh Sangat can visit Sikh Shrines in Pakistan in large numbers to commemorate the lives of the Sikh Gurus.
While speaking from Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Janiya held that while the efforts by the Pakistan Government had to be applauded, if arrangements could be made to allow Sikhs to celebrate other events associated with Sikh History on a large scale, Sikhs would be greatly indebted to the Pakistani authorities. Jathedar Janiya said that Sikhs from East Punjab would like to visit Pakistan to celebrate the Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Saka Nankana Sahib.
This was the first year an SGPC delegation visited Pakistan officially. Several developments were discussed between members of the SGPC and the Pakistan Government to further facilitate visits by Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan.
While speaking to the press, Janiya held that the SGPC will soon start the process of renovating Gurdwara Sahibs in Pakistan. The work of renovating Gurdwara Chuna Mandi was assigned to Jagtar Singh who will stay there to ensure all processes are carried out properly. In addition, the SGPC delegation also presented two Chandoa Sahibs at Gurdwara Chuna Mandi.
Although several Gurdwaras in Pakistan greatly need to be taken care of, the SGPC should ensure that its workers do not destroy any historical aspects of the Gurdwaras like it has done to a majority of Sikh Shrines based in Eastern Punjab. The Kar-Seva organizations especially have caused immense harm to Sikh history by rebuilding and white washing historical monuments. The Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should oversee the whole process to ensure such major damage is not carried out in Pakistan.
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