Lahore, Pakistan (May 28, 2013):As per media reports the Government of Pakistan has decided to issue a 15 day pilgrim visa to the Sikh sangat visiting Gurudwara Dera Sahib in Lahore from East Punjab. A special train carrying 1,000 Jatha members would leave East Punjab for Pakistani Punjab on 4 June and stay until 18 June. Earlier, only a 10 day visa was being issued by the Pakistan and the Sikh jatha had to return to East Punjab (India) on June 14 but with the issuing of 15 day visa permits the sangat will return on 18 June thereby resolving the matter.
It is learnt that the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee has decided to observe the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev ji on 16 June as per the original Nanakshahi Calendar, whereas the SGPC has altered the calendar and according the altered calendar the SGPC is observing the martyrdom day on June 12.
There are reports in media that the SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar would be attempting to convince the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) of Pakistan which manages the gurdwara affairs to observe the event on June 12 in the future.