PATIALA: The Pakistan federal government has reportedly extended the tenure of office-bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) for four months till April 30, 2008, which expired on December 31, 2007, after completing its three-year tenure.

Reports reaching from Pakistan said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had already sent the request for the extension to the government.

PSGPC President Sardar Bishen Singh and members of the body were elected for a three-year term, but the elections for the new body could not take place due to change in the political setup.   ETPB was directed to send a summary, seeking extension in the existing body.

The Reports said that extension had been given to the existing body till the Baisakhi Mela (festival), scheduled from April 12, at various gurdwaras in Pakistan. The election for the new body of the PSGPC would be held after April 30.
 
The PSGPC body has nine members excluding the president. The members are: Sham Singh (Lahore), Dr Swaran Singh (NWFP), Sahib Singh (NWFP), Sarbat Singh (NWFP), Tara Singh (Sindh), Sutnam Singh (Balochistan), Maheesh Singh (Sindh) and Mastan Singh and Ravail Singh (Nankana Sahib, Punjab).

Around 5,000 Sikh pilgrims were expected to visit Pakistan on April 11 to celebrate Baisakhi. "Celebrations in this regard will start from April 12 and remain till April 14," he said.

He said that the committee was necessary to manage the worship schedule of the Sikh pilgrims.

About the new body, ETPB sources said that Dr Swaran Singh, from swat of NWFP was the most favourite candidate for the slot of presidency.

"The members might be Sham Singh, Sahib Singh, Sarbat Singh, Tara Singh, Satnam Singh and Maheesh Singh," they said. "The list of about 100 Sikhs living in Pakistan has been prepared by the ETPB and the Religious Ministry, from which the final names for the PSGPC body will be elected."