Tragic Demise and Disturbing Robbery Spark Outrage during Sikh Pilgrimage in Pakistan: Urgent Action Needed for Pilgrim Safety

An Indian Sikh pilgrim in his 70s passed away in Lahore, Pakistan due to cardiac arrest while participating in the 554th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Devji. The pilgrim, Sardar Preetam Singh, complained of chest pain on Saturday evening. Despite immediate medical attention at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, Singh could not be saved. The body was later handed over to the Border Security Forces (BSF) at the Wagah border, where Singh's wife was also present. Meanwhile, another Sikh family from India fell victim to a disturbing incident during the Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary festivities in Lahore.

While shopping at the Liberty Market in the Gulberg area, the family was confronted by two robbers disguised as police officers. At gunpoint, the culprits looted cash and jewelry from Kanwal Jeet Singh and his family members. The incident has sparked outrage, with Punjab's caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi promptly ordering the police to bring the culprits to justice within 48 hours.

Despite the CM's orders, no significant progress has been made in the case, and the victims have not received any compensation. The latest incident adds to concerns about the safety and security of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan for religious festivities. The government must take immediate action to address these alarming incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors and pilgrims. The body of Sardar Pritam Singh, along with his colleague Sardar Sukhpal Singh, was handed over to the BSF at the Wagah-Attari border.

The process was supervised by Additional Secretary Shireen Rana Shahid Saleem and Pradhan of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Sardar Ameer Singh. The Ministry of Interior granted official permission for the body to be handed over to the Indian authorities. Sardar Pritam Singh, a 75-year-old resident of Haryana, India, was among the first group of Sikh pilgrims to reach Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore after visiting Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Aminabad. Tragically, his condition deteriorated suddenly, and he was rushed to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) with the assistance of Rescue 1122.

Despite the efforts, Singh's life could not be saved. These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for pilgrims visiting religious sites. It is crucial for the respective governments to enhance security measures and ensure the well-being of visitors, especially during religious festivities. The tragic demise of Sardar Pritam Singh and the robbery faced by the Indian Sikh family call for concrete actions to prevent such incidents in the future and preserve the sanctity of religious pilgrimage.