Special buses carried the first group of 1,265 pilgrims to Nankana Sahib in Punjab where they will participate in the Baisakhi Mela.

During their three-day visit, pilgrims will perform religious rituals and visit Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal under the leadership of Sardar Amarjeet Singh.

Officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and District officers welcomed the pilgrims with rose garlands and gifts.

Sikh pilgrims expressed their excitement on arrival at Nankana Sahib on the eve of the birthday of their spiritual leader Baba Guru Nanak.

They appreciated transport facilities and foolproof security arrangements.

On April 12, the pilgrims will travel to Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdaal.

Every year, a large number of Sikh devotees from India and other parts of the world visit Pakistan to celebrate religious events since most of Sikh shrines lie in Pakistan.