A first in 50 years, Pak doubles visas for Sikh pilgrims

The Pakistan government has for the first time in 50 years issued over 6,700 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the Baisakhi, an official said on Tuesday. This is more than double the number agreed upon between the two countries.

“Under the Pakistan-India Religious Protocol Agreement 1974, up to 3,000 Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for any religious festival. However, the government has issued 6,751 visas, granting 3,751 additional visas on the special request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Evacuee Trust Property Board,” said board additional secretary Saifullah Khokhar.

Sikh pilgrims from India will arrive via the Wagah border on April 10 to mark the Sikh New Year on April 14 and the founding of Khalsa.

“Under the auspices of the board, the main Baisakhi ceremony will be held at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib. We are fully prepared to welcome all incoming guests,” Khokhar said.

Earlier, the main ceremony of Baisakhi used to be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal.