Pakistan High Commission In New Delhi Issues Over 3K Visas To Sikh Pilgrims For Guruparab

New Delhi: Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued over 3000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the birthday celebrations of the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak, to be held in the neighbouring country from November 14 to 23.

“Expressing his views on the occasion, Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended his heartfelt felicitations and wished the pilgrims a fulfilling yatra,” a post from the Pakistan High Commission’s official account on X, read.

https://twitter.com/PakinIndia/status/1855487468616962135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw K

Earlier, the Pakistan High Commission had reportedly denied visas to 1,481 Sikh devotees out of 2,244 applicants for the pilgrimage.

Harjinder Singh Dhami, president, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee told the Mint that the rejection in such large numbers was particularly hurtful and undermined the religious sentiments of Sikhs.

Reportedly, Indian pilgrims travelling to Pakistan for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak are also facing financial challenges. According to reports, the Pakistani government was advising the pilgrims to carry US dollars due to a foreign exchange shortage.