Pakistan Issues 2,843 Visas to Indian Sikh Pilgrims for Baisakhi

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As the Baisakhi festival approaches, set to commence on 13 April and continue until 22 April, the Pakistan High Commission in India has issued 2,843 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims this year for their journey to Pakistan, reports Wego.

Baisakhi, alternatively known as Vaisakhi, holds profound significance within the Sikh community, standing as one of its most revered festivals. It commemorates both the harvest festival and the establishment of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Given that Sikhism traces its roots to Nanakana Sahib, the birthplace of the religion in Pakistan, the nation boasts numerous historical shrines of great reverence. This draws Sikhs from India and across the globe to undertake pilgrimages to these sacred sites during the festivities.

Under the Pakistan-India Protocol on visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, Indian Sikhs are routinely granted visas to visit Pakistan for religious purposes. For instance, last November, over 3,000 Sikhs were granted visas to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Now, 2,843 Indians are being issued visas to participate in the Baisakhi festival in Pakistan. During their visit, they will have the opportunity to visit revered shrines such as Dera Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Panja Sahib.

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