AMRITSAR: Ahead of Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary the Pakistan government is all set to open Gurdwara Chowa Sahib in Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab even as in the recent past Pakistan government had opened Gurdwara Khara Sahib in Gujranwala district of Pakistan's Punjab. Both the Gurdwaras had been closed since Indo Pak partition.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Aamir Ahmad told TOI over phone from Lahore on Thursday "We are intending to open Gurdwara Chowa Sahib very soon."

Due to heavy rains and inclement weather, the Gurdwara Sahib can only be opened next week or in ten days, he added. "We are getting the preparations done and very soon it will be opened" said Aamir.

Notably in January, 2019, Indian high commissioner in Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria had visited the Gurdwara Chowa Sahib.

A noted Pakistan historian Shaheed Shabbir who had visited Gurdwara Chowa Sahib on Thursday informed that after completing four journey's (udhasi's) Guru Nanak Dev had stayed in Jhelum for some time. Despite being close to river Ghan, there persisted draught like conditions and locals were short of drinking water.

"When they came to know that a saint was camping near them, they approached Baba Nanak on whose blessings a fresh water spring erupted from the ground which was known as Amrit Kund" he said.

Shabbir informed that Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to get water for drinking and bathing from Amrit Kund.

About the Gurdwara which is situated close to Rohtas Fort, Pakistan historian informed that the double storied Gurdwara was a marvel of Mogul architecture adding that its preservation and restoration would be given to Agha Khan Foundation.

Sources informed that like Gurdwara Khara Sahib, Gurdwara Chowa Sahib would also be opened for Pakistani followers of Sikhism and not for Indian Sikh Jatha's.

Meanwhile Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal hailed Pakistan government's gesture of opening of Gurdwara Khara Sahib and Gurdwara Chowa Sahib after 72 years. "Pakistan's gesture will help bring both nations closer" said Longowal.

