Facilitating Cross-Border Religious Harmony
In a significant gesture of goodwill and religious diplomacy, Pakistan has issued over 2,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The move underscores Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating religious tourism and promoting interfaith harmony between the two neighboring nations.
The visas were granted under the framework of the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, which allows pilgrims from both sides to visit sacred sites in each other’s countries. This annual event holds immense importance for the Sikh community, drawing thousands of devotees to Pakistan’s revered religious landmarks.
Pilgrims to Visit Key Religious Sites
Under this arrangement, Sikh pilgrims from India will visit several key spiritual destinations across Pakistan. The most prominent among these are Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, located near the Pakistan-India border in Narowal district.
Pilgrims will also visit other significant Gurdwaras, including Panjasahib in Hasan Abdal, Dera Sahib in Lahore, and Rohri Sahib in Eminabad. The visits are scheduled to coincide with the week-long celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, which include religious rituals, prayers, and cultural events symbolizing peace and unity.
Officials from Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) have made special arrangements for the visitors’ accommodation, transportation, and security.
A Tradition of Spiritual Exchange
The issuance of these visas reflects the ongoing spirit of cultural and religious diplomacy that has long been part of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and India. Despite political tensions, the two countries have continued to honor the 1974 protocol, enabling Sikh devotees from India and across the world to participate in religious festivals held in Pakistan.
Each year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims make their way to Pakistan for key religious events such as Vaisakhi, Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019 further strengthened these spiritual ties, allowing visa-free access for Indian Sikhs to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara — located just four kilometers from the Indian border.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that facilitating the pilgrimage is part of the government’s broader policy to promote religious freedom and interfaith coexistence. The gesture is seen as an effort to nurture people-to-people connections beyond political boundaries and reaffirm Pakistan’s image as a guardian of regional religious heritage.
For Sikh pilgrims, the annual visit offers not just a chance to honor their faith but also an emotional reunion with historical sites deeply intertwined with their spiritual identity. Many pilgrims describe the journey as a deeply moving experience, strengthening their bond with Sikhism’s roots in the subcontinent.
This year’s celebrations are expected to draw large crowds, with both Pakistani and international Sikh communities joining in the festivities. Local authorities have ensured enhanced security and logistical arrangements to make the occasion peaceful and memorable for all visitors.
