A high-level meeting at the Punjab Home Department has finalised comprehensive arrangements for the 327th Vaisakhi Festival, with officials emphasising robust security and comfortable hospitality for visiting Sikh pilgrims. The session was chaired by Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq confirmed the festival will run from April 10 to April 19.
Authorities outlined an integrated plan covering security, accommodation and transport to ensure the Vaisakhi Festival proceeds smoothly. The government directed that all transport vehicles carry valid fitness certificates and ordered uninterrupted electricity supply across event sites. Officials highlighted coordination between civil and security agencies to maintain order and safety throughout the festival period.
The ministers called for sensitivity to religious customs and accessible services for all pilgrims, asking departments to set up senior citizen counters, additional washrooms and air-conditioned marquees. Medical facilities, ambulances and large-scale langar arrangements were prioritised, while luxury buses will be provided for long-distance transfers and certified currency exchange dealers will be appointed to assist international visitors.
Organisers expect significant attendance at this Vaisakhi Festival, with roughly 20,000 local pilgrims, about 3,000 from India and another 3,000 from other countries. Visiting groups will be taken to key sites including Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Eminabad, Farooqabad and Kartarpur Narowal, under carefully managed schedules and security cover.
Secretary Home Punjab Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi underlined that delivering top-tier facilities to international pilgrims is vital for Pakistan’s image and directed all departments to ensure high standards of security and hospitality. Senior officials from the Home Department, Police, Rangers, FIA, Customs, Rescue 1122, Health and Transport attended the meeting, with commissioners, regional police officers and district officials joining via video link to confirm local arrangements.
With the coordinated push from provincial leadership and multiple agencies, the Punjab administration aims to present a well-managed Vaisakhi Festival that welcomes international Sikh pilgrims safely and respectfully.
