New Delhi, 1 December 2021 (TDI): Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi issued 136 visas to Indian Pilgrims. The Indian Pilgrims will visit religious sites in Pakistan.
Shadani Darbar
Pakistan’s province of Sindh hosts Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi. The religious site is the center of the 313th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib. The celebrations will take place from 4-15 December 2021.
The Shadani Darbar is an over 300 years old temple. Moreover, it is a sacred place for Hindu devotees from all across the world. The Shadani Darbar was built in 1786. Sant Shadaram Sahib was the founder of the Darbar. He was born in the city of Lahore in 1708.
Pakistan’s State Policy
Pakistan has been treading the path of promoting religious tourism in the country. Also, the country promotes ideals of interfaith harmony and respect. Pakistan’s High Commission issued a statement:
‘Issuance of pilgrimage visas to Hindu & Sikh pilgrims is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating visits to religious shrines. It’s also reflective of Pakistan’s respect for religious places of all faiths and efforts for promoting interfaith harmony.’
Today, Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 136 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims for visit to their religious sites in Pakistan. 1/4@ForeignOfficePk @FMPublicDiploPK @epwing_official @GovtofPakistan
— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) December 1, 2021
Previously Pakistan in line with its policy opened the Kartarpur Corridor in Punjab. The opening took place in November 2019. The corridor is a gateway for Indian Sikh Pilgrims. It leads to one of the most revered Sikh sights. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is the shrine.
The issuance of pilgrimage visas restarted after a short break, this year. COVID protocols caused this disruption.
Both Pakistan and India are obliged to provide pilgrimage visas to each other citizens. The ‘Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974‘ enshrines this vision. The protocol is a bilateral pact between both states. Most importantly it vouches for the facilitation of religious tourists to religious sites. For both Indian and Pakistani citizens visiting specific religious sites in the other country.
