Pakistan issues over 3,800 visas to Indian pilgrims to visit Nankana Sahib near Lahore

For participating in 549th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak from November 21-30.

Pakistani and Indian Sikh devotees take part in a ritual procession at a shrine in Nankana Sahib. File

Pakistan has issued over 3,800 visas to Indian pilgrims for participating in the 549th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib near Lahore from November 21-30.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Pakistan High Commission said this was the largest number of visas issued for Sikh pilgrims in recent years.

High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood said this was a “special gesture” from Pakistan to the Sikh pilgrims who are expected to travel to Sikh holy places in Pakistan that are associated with the founder of the faith.

“We extend profound felicitations to our brothers and sisters celebrating this auspicious occasion and wish all yatrees [pilgrims] a spiritually fulfilling yatra,” Mr. Mahmood said in the statement.

Pakistan has also issued visas to Sikh pilgrims from other parts of the world, the High Commission stated.

Earlier in June, a controversy broke out after Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria

w as prevented from entering Gurdwara Panja Sahib near Islamabad.

However, Pakistan on Tuesday said it remained committed to “preserving sacred religious places and extending all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths”.