New Delhi (TDI): The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued more than 6,500 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the annual Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan, scheduled to take place from April 10 to 19, 2025.
During the celebrations, the pilgrims will visit Sikh religious sites, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
For Sikhs, these visits hold immense spiritual significance as the shrines are closely associated with the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and other Sikh Gurus.
On this occasion, Saad Ahmad Warraich, the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan in New Delhi, said, “The issuance of such a large number of visas is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, cultural understanding, and regional peace. Facilitating these religious journeys reflects our respect for all faiths and our deep cultural connection with the Sikh community.”
He expressed that Pakistan will continue to uphold its tradition of welcoming pilgrims from across the border and supporting their spiritual visits to sacred sites.
The facilitation of the Baisakhi pilgrimage will take place under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, which allows nationals from both countries to visit specific religious sites across the border.
Each year, thousands of Indian pilgrims travel to Pakistan to participate in various religious festivals and events, including Baisakhi, Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary.
For the upcoming celebrations, Pakistan is providing necessary support, including transport, security, accommodation, and medical facilities to the pilgrims during their stay.
The successful organization of these visits reflects Pakistan’s dedication to preserving religious heritage and promoting people-to-people ties.
The High Commission conveyed its best wishes to all pilgrims embarking on this spiritual journey and expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to fostering goodwill, peace, and understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and India.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
