The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 3000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji to be held in Pakistan from 14th to 23rd of this month. In a post on the High Commission’s social media platform X, Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich also extended his heartfelt felicitations and wished the pilgrims a fulfilling yatra. The development came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a significant relaxation of visa rules for Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan. Starting immediately, Sikh pilgrims will no longer have to pay visa fees and can obtain their visas within half an hour.

Welcoming a group of 44 American Sikhs, Naqvi highlighted the ease of travel for US citizens, who can get visas on arrival and make multiple visits to Pakistan without any hassle. He also mentioned that citizens of the UK and Canada can easily obtain visas through a simplified online process. Naqvi expressed his desire to welcome a million Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan, encouraging them to explore beyond the traditional sites like Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, and Hassan Abdal. He also invited Sikh community members, including Indian nationals, to attend the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with special arrangements being made for their participation.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan