Maharaja Ranjit Singh unified all warring misls into one empire. He also protected Lahore from Afghan invasion and was responsible for restoration of Mughal architecture in city. Pakistan has granted visas to 495 Sikhs for attending death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A delegation comprising 421 Sikh Yatrees reached Darbar Sahib Kartarpur from Lahore to perform rituals and pay their respects at burial site of founder of Sikh religion Baba Guru Nanak Dev Jee. They will perform Akhand Path as part of rituals to mark death anniversary at Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore on 29 June.
During their stay in Pakistan, devotees are scheduled to visit and pay obeisance at various Sikh shrines. Member Punjab Assembly (MPA) Ramesh Singh Arora said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh created a special identity for Sikh nation through his military services. He restored pride of soil by defeating invaders who had plundered precious resources of land. Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Habibur Rehman Gilani said that 183rd death anniversary would be observed with religious fervour and all arrangements have been made to facilitate the Yatrees. Pakistan is home to several important Sikh holy sites and safest country in world for minorities. Pakistan’s steps to uplift life of minorities in country and to give them feeling that they are free of practice their religion is exemplary all over the world.