ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued 737 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims to enable their participation in the annual festival marking the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, scheduled to take place from June 10 to 19.
The announcement was made by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, which said the visas were issued under the framework of facilitating religious pilgrimages between the two neighbouring countries.
The main ceremonies will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, one of Sikhism’s most revered sites. Hundreds of pilgrims from India are expected to join thousands of devotees already present in Pakistan to take part in the religious observances.
In a statement shared on social media, the high commission said the visas had been granted to allow Sikh pilgrims to attend the annual festival and perform their religious rites at sacred sites across Pakistan.
Pakistan is home to several of Sikhism’s holiest shrines and has undertaken various initiatives in recent years to facilitate access for international pilgrims, particularly members of the Sikh community from India.
A major step in this regard was the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, which allows Indian Sikh pilgrims visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Pakistan continues to facilitate religious pilgrimages as part of its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and preserving religious heritage.
