TAXILA: The local administration in coordination with law enforcement agencies and other stalceholders on Saturday finalised arrangements for over 2,500 Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal on November 7.

Another 2,000 Sikhs are expected to arrive from Europe, America and other parts of Asia, while some 1,200 pilgrims will be visiting from other parts of Pakistan for the three-day pilgrimage.

The 546th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak, will be celebrated.

A meeting was held at Tehsil Municipal Complex, chaired by District Coordination Officer Habib Ullah.

Arrangements for security, health, sanitation, boarding and lodging for the pilgrims have also been finalised.

District Police Chief Israr Abbasi, Deputy Secretary Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Azhar Naseer Sulehri, Assistant Comissioner Fareeha Tehseen, representatives of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), bomb disposal squad, Regional Transport Authority and others attended the meetings.

Talking to newsmen here, Deputy Secretary ETPB Azhar Nazeer Sulehri has said PSGPC and ETPB had made security arrangements to ensure safety of pilgrims in the light of the prevailing security situation in Pakistan.

He said that multi-layered security plans have been made. Roads leading up to the temple will be sealed, shops and markets in the area will be closed, luggage scanners, surveillance cameras will be installed.

Foolproof security will be ensured at all ritual sites including Punja Sahib, Matha Taki, Ashnan and the shrine of Baba Wali Qandahari.