Lahore, 8 April

The Pakistan government has issued over 6,700 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the festival of Baisakhi on 14 April. This has been done on the special request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

Under the Pakistan-India Religious Protocol Agreement 1974, 3,000 Sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan for any religious festival. However, the government has issued 6,751 additional visas.

ETPB Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar said that this is the first time in 50 years that the Pakistan government has issued additional visas to Sikh pilgrims instead of the visas agreed between the two countries.

This year the main celebrations are being held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan due to an increase in the number of pilgrims. Earlier, the main Baisakhi function was held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.

Sikh pilgrims from India will arrive here through the Wagah border on 10 April to mark the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa. Khokhar said that all necessary facilities are being ensured for the pilgrims.

The pilgrims will be provided air-conditioned buses, comfortable residential facilities and full security. Gurdwara Janmasthan, Gurdwara Panja Sahib and other gurudwaras have been decorated for the occasion. Sikh pilgrims will return to their homeland on 19 April.