The Pakistani government has issued over 6,700 visas for the first time in 50 years to Indian Sikh devotees for Baisakhi on April 14, an official said on Tuesday.
"Under the Pakistan-India Religious Protocol Agreement 1974, up to 3,000 Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for any religious festival. However, the government has issued 6,751 visas, granting 3,751 additional visas on the special request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Evacuee Trust Property Board," Saifullah Khokhar, ETPB Additional Secretary, said.
Sikh pilgrims from India will go to Pakistan via Wagah Border on Thursday to mark the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa.
Khokhar added that this was the first time in over 50 years that the Pakistan government had issued additional visas to Sikh pilgrims instead of the agreed ones between the two countries.
"Under the auspices of the ETPB, the main ceremony of the Baisakhi festival will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib. Pakistan is like a second home to Sikhs. We are fully prepared to warmly welcome all incoming guests,” Saifullah Khokhar said.
In the past, the key ceremony of Baisakhi used to be organised at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal.
"The main ceremony will be held at Gurdwara Janamasthan because of the increased number of pilgrims this year," he said.
All necessary facilities were being ensured for the devotes, he further added.
We would be providing AC buses, comfortable residential facilities, and foolproof security to the pilgrims, he said.
Gurdwara Janamasthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib and other gurdwaras have been beautifully decked.
The Sikh devotees will return to India on April 19.
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