72 years after partition, Pak opens doors of historic Choa Sahib gurdwara

TIL Desk/World/Lahore/ Seventy-two years after Partition, Pakistan on Friday opened the doors of the historic Gurdwara Choa Sahib in Punjab province to Sikh devotees, including from India, in the run-up to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November.

Lying closed since 1947 after Sikh community members from the area migrated from Pakistan, the gurdwara in the Jhelum district of Punjab province was in a state of neglect. The Gurdwara Choa Sahib, located close to Rohtas Fort — a UNESCO world heritage site, was reopened in a colourful ceremony in the presence of several high officials and community members.

The ceremony began with an ‘ardaas’ (prayer) and ‘kirtans’ (devotional songs) performed by Sikh community members. Dr Aamer Ahmed, chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) that looks after the holy places of minorities in Pakistan, was the chief guest. Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee (PSGPC) president Sardar Satwant Singh was also present on the occasion.