Hassan Abdal closes shops to open doors to Sikhs

According to Daily Times " For the residents of this medium-sized town, the fallout of 9/11 has changed a little. Every year, thousands of non-Muslims from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, Afghanistan and continental Europe throng Hassan Abdal regardless of security advisory. 

Just a day after 24 lives were lost to terrorism on the fringes of Islamabad, the city is all set to welcome an estimated 6,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the world.
“We are confident that Baisakhi celebrations will proceed as they have for centuries. There might be security lapses elsewhere, but the Pakistan government enjoys an enormous confidence of the Sikh community for ensuring security for religious practices,” said a pilgrim from Ottawa, requesting anonymity.
According to a rough breakdown of pilgrims, some 2,000 Indians are on their way to Islamabad via Nankana Sahib after crossing into Pakistan at Wahga border, while as many are expected to reach the ‘holy city’ from North America, the UK and continental Europe.
Harmeet Singh, a resident of Kunduz province in Afghanistan, tells Daily Times that some 200 pilgrims (45 families) are attending Baisakhi this year. “It’s a place of our spiritual healing, religious unity and cultural heritage. There are no words to contentment in my inner self experiences here,” explains the Afghan youth supporting signature Singh turban. 
Guru Nanak, a towering figure of Sikh faith, arrived in Hassan Abdal in 1521, where later a place of worship called Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib was built containing a sacred rock which the Sikhs believe has the handprint of Guru Nanak imprinted on it.
Today’s Hassan Abdal is home to some 60 Sikh families while the Gurdwara is surrounded by a sprawling market.
Attock police have deployed 992 personnel for security led by a superintendent while the city is enveloped in four layers of security.
“Markets surrounding the Gurdwara will remain shut till Sunday to ensure foolproof security, while all the residents of the area have been screened and their security cleared,” said a police official, requesting anonymity.
Pakistan nationals, following Sikh religion, can stay in hotels but the same is barred for those arriving from abroad.
The pilgrims, visiting Pakistan from other nations, traditionally stay inside the Gurdwara which has an extensive dormitories and toilets. Sikh representatives work closely with the government’s Auqaf Department to ensure free supplies of food and accommodation to the visitors."