Dehli, 6 June 2023 (TDI): The Pakistan High Commission in India issued 215 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the upcoming Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev. This festival is of great significance for the Sikh community and is going to be held in Pakistan from June 8–17.
Sikh pilgrims will be visiting three main Gurdwaras present in Pakistan, named Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib. These visas are issued following the bilateral protocols of 1974.
The Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev is a solemn occasion for the Sikh community, and the opportunity to visit the Gurdwaras in Pakistan is considered a great privilege. The pilgrims will also have the chance to interact with the local Pakistani Sikh community and exchange cultural and religious experiences.
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Pakistan has always worked to facilitate the Sikh community to enhance religious tourism, and one of the notable efforts in this regard was the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, which provides a passage for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit one of their holiest shrines.
The corridor has been a significant development in promoting interfaith harmony. Additionally, Pakistan has also taken steps to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Sikh community in the country.
The government has restored several historic Gurdwaras, including the Nankana Sahib, which is considered the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Furthermore, the Pakistani government provides high-level security for the pilgrims to ensure their safety and control any law and order situation. These events provide an opportunity for Sikhs to connect with their roots and learn more about their religion’s history and traditions.
Pakistan’s efforts to promote religious tourism and cultural exchange with the Sikh community have been commendable and have significantly contributed to promoting interfaith harmony in the region.
