Pakistan issues visas to 300 Sikh pilgrims to observe death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

ISLAMABAD: The High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi has issued visas to over 300 Sikh pilgrims from India to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore from June 21-30, 20l8.

Within the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, a large number of Sikh yatrees from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions every year, a message received here on Friday from New Delhi said.

The visas issued by the High Commission in New Delhi are in addition to the visas issued to Sikh pilgrims participating in the event from other countries.

A special train arranged by the Pakistan Railways carried the pilgrims from Attari to Pakistan on Thursday(June 21).

Meanwhile, another group of Sikhs from India had returned from Pakistan after observing the martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev Ji from June 8-17, 20l8.

Earlier, in April 2018, the Pakistan High Commission issued visas to over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India for the Baisakhi Festival in Pakistan.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s efforts for promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people interactions. It also reflects the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to faithfully implement the bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines.

The Government of Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths.