Pakistan has issued visas to 737 Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in an annual religious festival scheduled from June 10 to June 19. According to the Pakistan High Commission in India, the visas were granted to Sikh yatrees who will travel to Pakistan to attend various religious events and ceremonies during the 10-day celebrations.
Religious Observances Across Designated Sites
The High Commission stated that the annual observances will be held across designated religious sites in Pakistan, where pilgrims will take part in rituals, prayers, and community gatherings. These events are part of a longstanding tradition that allows Sikh pilgrims to visit holy sites in Pakistan, including those in Punjab and other regions.
Commitment to Interfaith Harmony
Officials highlighted that the visa issuance reflects Pakistan’s continued facilitation of religious tourism and its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and cultural exchange. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill between the two neighboring countries, despite broader political tensions.
Pilgrims will have the opportunity to participate in various ceremonies, including processions, prayer sessions, and communal meals. The festival is expected to draw significant participation, strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan's broader efforts to boost religious tourism, which has seen an increase in visits from Sikh, Hindu, and other religious communities in recent years. The government has taken steps to improve infrastructure and security at religious sites to accommodate international pilgrims.
