Overview
- Indian Sikh pilgrims were received at the Wagah border on Wednesday and transported to shrine sites in Pakistan to take part in Jor Mela events running through June 19.
- Official counts differ: the SGPC says it submitted 561 passports and secured visas for 541 of its pilgrims, Pakistan officials report issuing 737 visas, and on‑the‑ground figures put arrivals at about 700.
- The main martyrdom anniversary ceremony for Guru Arjan Dev Ji is scheduled for June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore with pilgrims expected to return to India on June 19.
- Pakistani authorities set up dedicated reception arrangements including 20 immigration counters, transport to Nankana Sahib, langar kitchens, medical help, backup power and extra security to streamline clearance and comfort visitors.
- This is the first time in 14 years that Indian and Pakistani Sikh communities will jointly observe the anniversary, a development that relies on the Bilateral Protocol and could ease people‑to‑people ties and guard continued shrine access.