On the eve of Baisakhi celebrations, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2,200 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual festival scheduled to be held in Pakistan from April 12 to 21.

The issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. Every year, a large number of Sikh Yatrees from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas to religious pilgrims by the High Commission is in line with the government of Pakistan’s commitment to fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between the two countries.

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Expressing his views on the auspicious occasion, Charge d’Affaires Aftab Hasan Khan, extended his heartfelt felicitations to the pilgrims and wished them a rewarding and fulfilling yatra. Pakistan takes immense pride in preserving sacred religious places and providing necessary facilitation to the visiting pilgrims, he added.

During the visit, the pilgrims would, inter alia, go to Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. They would enter Pakistan on April 12 and return to India on April 21.

Pakistan Railways operate special trains for Sikh pilgrims

On the other hand, Pakistan Railways has planned to operate nine special trains from April 12 to 17 to facilitate Sikh pilgrims coming from India for their religious rituals.

According to a letter issued on the directions of Divisional Superintendent Lahore Rahat Mirza, special arrangements would be made for the guests at the railway stations, especially at Nankana Sahib and Hassan Abdal.

Railway officers will remain available and monitor the facilities during the visit of the Sikh Yatrees.