New Delhi: Pakistan has issued visas to 737 Indian pilgrims to take part in the annual observances linked to the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. The religious events are scheduled to be held in Pakistan from June 10 to June 19.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi announced the decision on Monday, saying the visas had been granted to pilgrims from India for participation in the annual festival. The visit is being organised under the framework of the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines.
During their stay, the pilgrims are expected to visit important Sikh religious sites in Pakistan, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. These shrines hold deep religious and historical significance for the Sikh community.
Pakistan’s acting High Commissioner in India, Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended good wishes to the pilgrims for a successful visit. The High Commission said the issuance of visas was in line with Pakistan’s commitment to fully implement the bilateral protocol on religious shrine visits.
The development comes at a time when India Pakistan ties remain strained, but religious pilgrimages continue to function as an important people to people channel between the two countries. Every year, Sikh pilgrims from India travel to Pakistan for events associated with Sikh history and sacred gurdwaras.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, is remembered for his spiritual contribution and sacrifice. His martyrdom is observed with deep devotion by Sikhs across the world. For many pilgrims, visiting the historic shrines connected with Sikh heritage in Pakistan is a matter of faith and emotion.
According to reports, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has received visas for 541 Sikh pilgrims as part of this visit. The overall number of visas issued by the Pakistan High Commission stands at 737.
The pilgrimage also carries a wider diplomatic meaning. Even when political relations between New Delhi and Islamabad remain difficult, religious travel under agreed protocols helps preserve limited but meaningful contact between communities.
For the pilgrims, the journey is not just a cross border visit. It is an opportunity to bow at sacred shrines, take part in prayers and remember the legacy of Guru Arjan Dev Ji at places closely linked with Sikh history.