More than 300 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border on Sunday to participate in commemorative events marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder and first ruler of the Sikh Empire.

According to officials, a total of 337 Indian Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan and were welcomed by senior representatives of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Ghulam Mohiuddin, spokesperson for the ETPB, said the principal ceremony will take place on 29 June at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, one of Sikhism’s most revered religious sites.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, widely known as the founder of the Sikh Empire, ruled from 1801 until his death in 1839. His annual death anniversary is observed with religious gatherings and commemorative events attended by Sikh devotees from around the world.

Mohiuddin noted that thousands of Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and several other countries are expected to participate in the celebrations. To mark the pilgrims’ arrival, a special langar (community meal) was organised at the Wagah border crossing.

ETPB Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq stated that comprehensive security and logistical arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth movement of the visiting pilgrims throughout their stay in Pakistan.