Visas to 1,100 Sikh pilgrims issued for Baisakhi celebrations, says Pakistan High Commission
The Pakistan High Commission on Wednesday stated it has issued over 1,100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to take part within the annual Baisakhi celebrations from April 12 to 22.
Under the framework of the Pakistan-India protocol on visits to spiritual shrines, a lot of Sikh pilgrims from India go to Pakistan to observe numerous spiritual festivals yearly, the High Commission stated.
It stated the visas have been issued as a “special gesture” by the Pakistan authorities in view of the significance of Baisakhi for Punjabis and Sikhs marking the beginning of their new 12 months.
“The Pakistan High Commission extends special felicitations to all those celebrating this auspicious occasion and wishes the visiting pilgrims a fulfilling yatra,” it stated in an announcement.
“The issuance of pilgrimage visas is a part of the Government of Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating visits to religious shrines,” it stated.
The issuance of visas comes amid indicators of eagerness by each nations to transfer ahead of their ties.
In February, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire pact on the Line of Control. The return to the ceasefire was agreed upon by the director-generals of army operations of the 2 nations.