Pakistan Plans to Expand Guru Ram Das’ Birthplace Gurdwara in Lahore
Around 13 marlas of adjoining commercial land to be added to the shrine to provide more space and improved facilities for Sikh pilgrims.
LAHORE, Oct 9: The Pakistani government has announced plans to expand Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das Ji in Lahore to provide improved facilities and additional space for Sikh devotees visiting the historic shrine.
The announcement was made on Friday during a ceremony organised at Chuna Mandi in Lahore to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das, the fourth of the 10 Sikh gurus.
Evacuee Trust Property Board Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said the board would incorporate approximately 13 marlas of adjoining commercial land, measuring around 272 square metres, into the gurdwara complex. The expansion is expected to create more space for worship, religious ceremonies and other activities associated with Sikh traditions.
Mushtaq highlighted the significance of Guru Ram Das Ji’s teachings, which emphasise love, peace, brotherhood, equality and selfless service to humanity. He also described the spiritual leader’s birth in Lahore as a matter of pride for Pakistan.
Guru Ram Das Ji was born in Lahore in 1534 and was named Jetha at birth. After losing his parents at the age of seven, he was raised by his maternal grandmother in a village. He later became the fourth Sikh guru and played a significant role in the development of Sikh religious traditions.
The anniversary ceremony brought together Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, reflecting the shrine’s importance to the Sikh community across the world.
Satwant Kaur, secretary general of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, also attended the event.
The proposed expansion is intended to strengthen facilities at the historic religious site and provide a more accommodating environment for devotees who visit to pay their respects and participate in religious observances.
