Pakistan has granted visas to more than 2,800 Indian pilgrims for the Baisakhi festival. The visas were issued by Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi for celebrations scheduled from April 10 to 19 in Pakistan, as reported by the Times of India.
The report added that the pilgrimage was part of a long-standing tradition of cross-border religious travel between the two nations. It is governed by the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974.
Also Read | The call of the 'Kashphul': Finding autumn on the highway
The Times of India reported that the pilgrims are expected to visit three major Sikh religious sites during their stay. These are Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
Arrangements in place
According to the report of the Times of India, Pakistan's High Commission confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made. These cover travel, accommodation, and access to religious sites. The aim is to ensure the visit is safe, organised, and spiritually meaningful for all pilgrims.
Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in India, Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended greetings to the visiting pilgrims. He said, "We wish the pilgrims a fulfilling and spiritually rewarding stay in Pakistan."
He further added, "This visit is an affirmation of Pakistan's abiding commitment to promote interreligious and intercultural harmony and understanding."
Also Read | Singapore's Changi Airport tops the world again—here's what sets it apart
Legal framework behind the visit
The pilgrimage follows an agreement between the two countries. The 1974 Bilateral Protocol allows such religious travel between India and Pakistan, as cited by the Times of India.
