Lahore: More than 2,000 Sikh pilgrims are expected to come from India through Wagah border on the eve of Baisakhi in Pakistan next week.

Sources told reporters that Pakistan Customs has assured the authorities of its full cooperation to facilitate the passengers. Sources said that an important meeting was held to discuss all issues regarding their arrival and departure at Wagah border.

A total of 3,800 Sikh yatris will visit Pakistan to celebrate the Baisakhi festival in April, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq said on Wednesday.

"The main ceremony will be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib at Hasan Abdal on April 14…We hope that the Sikh yatris take back good memories from our country," he said.

The Pakistan Customs officials, Punjab Rangers, Evacuee Trust Punjab, Police and WAPDA representatives participated in the meeting and discussed their issues and ways of cooperation for providing with a good gesture to guests coming for their Besakhi rituals in Lahore, Hassan Abdal and Nankana Sahib.

Sources said that more than 20,000 Sikh pilgrims are expected to participate this year in Baisakhi. Pakistan has issued two thousand visas to Indian Sikhs seven hundred visas for Sikh community of America, Canada, Britain and other European countries.

(The article was first published in customstoday.com.pk)