Pakistan promises security to Indian Sikh pilgrims

LAHORE: Pakistan will provide complete security to the over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arriving here tomorrow for the three-day birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, an official has said, in the wake of the Wagah border suicide attack.

"I will ensure this (Wagah border like bombing) does not happen again, particularly when over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims arrive at Wagah Railway Station," Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq said yesterday.

The official stated that he will personally ensure safety and security of the pilgrims in the wake of yesterday's suicide bombing at Wagah in Pakistan that claimed 61 lives and left over 100 people injured, minutes after the popular flag-lowering ceremony at the Indo-Pak border.

More than 2,000 Sikhs are scheduled to arrive in Lahore through Wagah border tomorrow for the three-day birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion.

Farooq informed that his office is in contact with the Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique in order to get the trains checked and has visited the border to overlook the security arrangements for the guests coming from across the border.

He added that the pilgrims would visit Nankana Sahib, Hassan Abdal and other cities to pay visits to the temples of their religious and spiritual leaders.