Latest news with #EvacueeTrustPropertyBoard
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Officials told to explain Nankana encroachments
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has issued show-cause notices to three officers over their alleged failure to prevent encroachments and unauthorised construction on trust properties in Nankana Sahib. The action came over findings presented in a report prepared following a visit to Nankana Sahib by the ETPB secretary under directives of a commission established on the orders of the Supreme Court. The report highlighted widespread encroachments and unauthorised structures on ETPB properties found over the past six months with photographic evidence. The officers served notices are Deputy Administrators Adnan Ahmad Hassan and Ejaz Ahmad, and Security Supervisor Arsalan Naeem. According to the report, the officials had failed to fulfill their core administrative responsibilities of safeguarding trust properties from encroachment and illegal occupation. It noted that the officers had neither identified the encroachments in time nor taken effective action to prevent or remove them. After reviewing the report, the ETPB chairman concluded that disciplinary action could be taken under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. The possible punishments include dismissal from service. The officers have been directed to submit a written explanation within 10 days, justifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. They have also been given the option to appear in person to present their defence. Failure to respond within the stipulated time may result in ex parte proceedings. The show-cause notices were issued by ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal with the approval of the chairman.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
With Shimla Agreement in suspension, SGPC cancels Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Sunday announced that it will not send a Sikh pilgrimage group (jattha) to Pakistan this year to mark the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, on June 27. The decision follows the diplomatic stand-off between India and Pakistan and the suspension of the 1972 Shimla Agreement in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The pilgrimage is undertaken as part of a longstanding arrangement under the Shimla Agreement, which permits Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan four times a year. Harbhajan Singh Vakta, a representative of the SGPC, confirmed the cancellation on Monday and said, 'Every year, a few 'jatthas' are sent by SGPC to Pakistan for darshan. One of these is the 'jattha' for Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary… Now, the SGPC has decided not to send the 'jattha' this time. We had made an official announcement yesterday. Looking at the situation between the two countries, this time no 'jattha' will be sent,' Vakta said. There has been no immediate response from Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board, which typically hosts the Sikh pilgrims. According to the agreement, up to 3,000 pilgrims are allowed to travel for Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, 1,000 for the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, and 500 for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The sites of religious and historical importance to Sikhs in Pakistan include Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and Lahore, where Guru Arjan Dev was martyred. The SGPC's decision follows India's recent diplomatic actions against Pakistan, which included scaling down diplomatic missions, sealing the border, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. These steps were taken after the April 22 Pahalagam terror attack in Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. In the last week of April, Pakistan suspended the Shimla Agreement in response to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, its military action targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to a military conflict between the two nations before a ceasefire was announced on May 10.
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India blocks Sikhs' Pakistan pilgrimage
In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony. The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the world, including India. According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage. Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity. Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events.
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India blocks Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji anniversary
Listen to article In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony. The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, including India. According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage. READ MORE: 20m Sikhs stand with Pakistan against Indian aggression, says Khalistan Movement leader Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity. Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events. 'Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission to its pilgrims but has also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,' Khokhar stated. 'In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open to Sikh pilgrims. Despite strained relations, Pakistan has clearly stated that its doors are open to Indian Sikh pilgrims 24/7. We are hopeful that Indian Sikhs will visit Pakistan for the upcoming anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,' he added. READ MORE: Punjab minority minister, Sikh leaders condemn Indian drone attack on Nankana Sahib PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, stating, 'Respecting religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country. Regrettably, India has undermined religious harmony and hurt the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan on Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom anniversary. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of the same policy.' He further emphasized that the Sikh community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government prioritizes the upkeep of Sikh religious sites. 'Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights. India's actions—blocking Sikh pilgrims and keeping the Kartarpur Corridor shut—are unacceptable and provocative,' Arora remarked. He also criticized Indian media for its ongoing propaganda against Pakistan, saying, 'Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from our side, and Indian Sikh pilgrims are welcome to visit at any time.' Previously, Arora has expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their strong show of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amidst recent regional developments. READ MORE: Khalsa leader expresses solidarity with Pakistan In a statement issued, Arora lauded the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by Sikhs across the world, saying, "The Sikh nation has once again proven that it does not compromise on the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth." He noted that Sikhs living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, various European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan's stance. "This is a historic message that truth knows no borders," he added. The minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord within the Sikh community had failed.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan invites Sikh pilgrims to attend two events in Lahore this month
Pakistan has invited Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, to attend two Sikh events in Lahore this month, an official said on Monday, amid tensions between the two countries. 'Death anniversaries of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Jor Mela) and Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be observed on June 16 and 29, respectively, in Lahore,' Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Ghulam Mohayuddin said. 'For both events, Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, are invited,' he added. The EPTB is a statutory board that manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs who had migrated to India following the partition. According to the schedule the ETPB issued, the main religious ceremony, including the Bhog Akhand Path Sahib ritual, will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. The main ceremony at the samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be held on June 29. Last year, over 800 and 450 Sikhs had come to Pakistan to attend the two events, respectively. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
