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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, on the day of Baisakhi, highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and the beautiful and diverse tapestry of the country. An ancient tradition of Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated as a harvest festival that marks the beginning of a new year. It also holds immense importance for the Sikh community as the foundations of the Panth Khalsa were laid on this day in 1699.&nbsp; PM&nbsp;reaffirms safeguarding minority&#39;s fundamental human, religious, civic rights&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion of Baisakhi, reaffirmed that safeguarding the fundamental human, religious and civic rights of minority communities remained a key responsibility of the state. The premier highlighted that the day was not only a significant religious festival for Sikhs but also a traditional and cultural celebration in Punjab, marking the joy of harvest after months of hard work by farmers. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The prime minister welcomed all Sikh and Hindu pilgrims for the day, ensuring comprehensive arrangements for their religious rights and security during the festivities. PM Sharif emphasized the importance of cultural diversity, adding that vibrant, multi-dimensional traditions form the foundation of a lively and inclusive society. Celebrating shared joys strengthens social cohesion and unity, he said. He further stated that respecting religious festivals of all faiths promotes interfaith harmony.&nbsp; &ldquo;May the joys of Baisakhi bring happiness to all,&rdquo; he concluded. Baisakhi servses &#39;significant religious, cultural milestone&#39;: President Zardari&nbsp;President Asif Ali Zardari extended his heartfelt greetings to the Hindu and Sikh communities in Pakistan and around the world, stating that Baisakhi served &ldquo;a significant religious and cultural milestone, marking the commencement of the Rabi harvest.&rdquo; While recalling Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah&rsquo;s policy of &ldquo;equality, freedom and security for all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background,&rdquo; the president said that the fundamental principle was enshrined in the country&rsquo;s Constitution, which guaranteed &ldquo;equal rights and comprehensive protection to all communities within the state.&rdquo; &ldquo;The government continues to facilitate Hindu and Sikh pilgrims and ensure the upkeep and security of gurdwaras across the country, particularly during important religious occasions,&rdquo; the president said, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring equal rights for all communities across the country, regardless of their belief, caste or creed.&nbsp; President Zardari said that the government remained dedicated to upholding the fundamental rights, safety and dignity of all minority communities.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are deeply committed to the socio-economic welfare of our minorities and remain earnest in our duty to protect their lives and property,&rdquo; he said. Efforts of women &#39;extraordinary, even when unspoken&#39;: First ladyFirst Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that the day carried &ldquo;cherished significance&rdquo; as it was a celebration of &ldquo;earth&#39;s abundance, of faith and of the bonds that hold families and communities together.&rdquo; &ldquo;It is a moment to give thanks for the harvest that sustains life, and to honor the labor and devotion that make it possible,&rdquo; the first lady said. Aseefa also pointed out the efforts of the &ldquo;women in our rural communities, the mothers, daughters, and sisters who carry so much on their shoulders.&rdquo; &ldquo;Through the long and demanding harvest season, they move between the fields and the home, nurturing both without rest,&rdquo; she said adding that their strength was &ldquo;extraordinary, even when it goes unspoken.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Even when the roads are long, the resources few and the days unrelenting, they find ways to hold their families together with grace and love,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It is a quiet, daily courage that deserves to be seen and celebrated,&rdquo; she added. She extended &ldquo;deep respect and warmest wishes to our Hindu and Sikh brothers and sisters who gather in prayer and celebration on this day.&rdquo; &ldquo;Your traditions, your devotion and your spirit of community are a cherished part of the beautiful and diverse tapestry of our nation,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;May Baisakhi bring you rest, joy and the gift of time with the ones you love,&rdquo; she added.

Culture

An ancient tradition of Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated as a harvest festival that marks the beginning of a new year. It also holds immense importance for the Sikh community as the foundations of the Panth Khalsa were laid on this day in 1699. 



Pakistan highlights importance of 'cultural diversity' on Baisakhi

Faraz Saeed

WAGAH, Lahore: Under the clear spring sky at the Wagah border, where flags and fences mark one of South Asia&rsquo;s most sensitive frontiers, Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan on Friday, greeted with flower garlands, official receptions and visible warmth as Baisakhi celebrations began. The first batch of pilgrims from India entered through Wagah, a key crossing between Pakistan and India, to take part in one of Punjab&rsquo;s most significant seasonal gatherings. Pakistan issued around 2,800 visas for the festival, with officials confirming that 2,238 pilgrims arrived, while more than 600 did not travel. They were received by senior officials including Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Additional Secretary for Shrines Nasir Mushtaq and Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan, alongside representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. For many arriving pilgrims, the reception set the tone for their journey.&nbsp;&lsquo;Happy with your welcome&rsquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Our revered late Guru Ji has blessed us with such grace that we received such a warm welcome here. We are very happy with your welcome,&rdquo; one pilgrim told Pakistan TV Digital. The journey from Wagah leads into the fertile plains of Punjab, where wheat fields are nearing harvest and towns carry the rhythm of an agrarian season turning. Baisakhi, rooted in this landscape, marks the harvest cycle and the beginning of a new year in Punjab&rsquo;s traditional calendar. &ldquo;We have come with devotion, and we are satisfied with the arrangements here,&rdquo; another pilgrim said. The main ceremony will take place on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, a revered site nestled at the foothills near Hasan Abdal.&nbsp;Birthplace of Guru NanakDuring their 10-day stay, pilgrims will also travel to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, moving across a geography that holds deep historical and cultural resonance. &ldquo;The facilities provided to us, including accommodation and food, are good,&rdquo; a third pilgrim noted. Officials say extensive arrangements have been made, including accommodation, langar, transport, and medical services to support the visitors throughout their stay. &ldquo;Everything is well managed, and we feel comfortable here,&rdquo; another pilgrim said. Additional Secretary Shrines Mushtaq confirmed that all preparations were in place and reiterated that the main ceremony would be held at Panja Sahib.&nbsp;The minority affairs minister framed the visit in broader terms, particularly in the context of strained relations following the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India.&nbsp;&lsquo;First home for Sikhs&rsquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan is not a second but the first home for Sikhs,&rdquo; Arora said. &ldquo;Pakistan is the first home for Sikhs, and we will continue to welcome them.&rdquo; He added that issuing thousands of visas despite tensions reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to peace and people-to-people engagement. &ldquo;Our doors will remain open,&rdquo; he said. The minister also announced that 17 gurdwaras would become functional this year, with restoration work on 34 more sites expected to be completed within two years.&nbsp;Kartarpur Corridor&nbsp;He urged India to fully open the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate easier access for pilgrims. Beyond India, pilgrims from Europe, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia are also expected, with special facilitation counters set up at airports across Pakistan. Leaders of Sikh groups welcomed the arrangements. Representatives from Indian gurdwara committees expressed appreciation for the hospitality and visa facilitation, describing the visit as both spiritual and cultural. &ldquo;We are thankful for the opportunity to visit and for the arrangements made,&rdquo; another pilgrim said. As the celebrations continue until April 19, the movement of pilgrims across borders and into Punjab&rsquo;s heartland reflects a seasonal rhythm that predates modern boundaries, one tied to harvests, journeys and shared spaces shaped by history and land.

Foreign Affairs

The first batch of pilgrims from India entered through Wagah, a key crossing between Pakistan and India, to take part in one of Punjab’s most significant seasonal gatherings.

Articles tagged with "Baisakhi in Pakistan"

Pakistan highlights importance of 'cultural diversity' on Baisakhi

Indian Sikh pilgrims arrive for Baisakhi, laud Pakistan’s warm hospitality