LAHORE: All public and private schools in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, have been closed for five days due to the grand celebrations of the Baisakhi festival. The district administration issued an official notification announcing the school closures to ensure safety and smooth management during the event.
The Baisakhi festival is a major religious occasion for the Sikh community, marking the 326th anniversary of the Khalsa Birth. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world are visiting Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival and take part in the religious events.
Although the main celebration will take place on April 14, Sikh yatrees began arriving on April 10. With over 7,000 pilgrims expected, the number has far exceeded the 3,000-person limit allowed under the Pakistan-India religious tourism agreement. In response, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has requested the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to issue as many visas as possible to accommodate the large number of visitors.
To manage the large crowds and maintain security during the Baisakhi festival, a detailed plan has been put in place by the District Police Officer (DPO). Around 2,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed in the city. Due to these arrangements and the influx of pilgrims, all schools in the district will remain closed during this period.
The ETPB also issued a circular to relevant departments, including the police, civil administration, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging them to enhance facilities and provide full support to the visiting Sikh yatrees.
Additional Secretary of Shrines, Saifullah Khokhar, stated that Pakistan is considered a second home by many Sikhs. He praised the government’s efforts in promoting religious tourism and fostering harmony through such cultural and religious exchanges.
As Nankana Sahib prepares for one of the largest religious gatherings of the year, the school closures and extensive security arrangements reflect the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all participants of the Baisakhi festival.
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