Pakistan has recently introduced a transformative visa policy for Sikh pilgrims from the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, offering free online visas that can be obtained within just 30 minutes upon arrival.
Announced by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a recent meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the United States, this streamlined visa facility aims to simplify travel for Sikhs wishing to visit their holy shrines and heritage sites across Pakistan.
This new approach is set to boost religious tourism, encourage Sikh heritage visits, and enhance cross-border spiritual connections for the global Sikh community.
An Effort to Simplify Pilgrimage for Sikh Devotees
For Sikhs worldwide, Pakistan holds an immense spiritual significance. Many of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, including the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and other important gurdwaras, are located within Pakistan’s borders.
This includes Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, and several others spread across cities like Lahore, Hasan Abdal, and more. However, access to these holy places has historically been complicated by lengthy visa processes, bureaucratic obstacles, and restrictions.
Read : Canada Names India in Cyber Threat List for the First Time
The new policy announced by Minister Naqvi is a significant step towards easing these hurdles. By allowing pilgrims to apply for an online visa and receive approval in under 30 minutes, Pakistan is providing unprecedented ease of access to these revered sites. Minister Naqvi assured the Sikh delegation, stating:
“You’re welcome to visit Pakistan up to 10 times a year, and we will welcome you every time. Applicants only need to fill out a form to receive a visa in 30 minutes.”
This policy aims to facilitate more frequent and easier travel for Sikhs residing in the US, Canada, and UK, including those of Indian origin who hold citizenship in these countries.
Opening Up Sikh Heritage Sites Without Permits
Alongside the expedited visa process, Pakistan’s government is taking measures to make Sikh heritage sites more accessible to pilgrims. In his address to the delegation, Minister Naqvi highlighted that additional Sikh historical and religious sites across the country would be opened up for visits without any need for special permits.
Read : Sikh Pilgrims from India Arrive in Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary
This move reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to acknowledge and preserve Sikh cultural heritage, welcoming pilgrims who wish to connect with their roots and history in Pakistan.
Several iconic gurdwaras are part of this initiative, including:
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib: This is one of the most venerated sites for Sikhs worldwide, as it marks the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
- Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur: Located near the India-Pakistan border, Kartarpur Sahib is highly significant as it was the final resting place of Guru Nanak.
- Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal: Known for the sacred handprint believed to belong to Guru Nanak, Panja Sahib is a revered site that attracts numerous pilgrims annually.
- Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore: Situated near the Lahore Fort, this gurdwara commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru.
In addition to these, sites associated with the Sikh empire, especially from the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, will also be made accessible, allowing Sikhs to explore places closely tied to their heritage.
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), which oversees these historic gurdwaras under the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), expressed strong support for the new policy.
The PSGPC welcomed the government’s plans to increase pilgrimage capacities and make the visa process as accessible as possible for the Sikh diaspora. The committee also shared the aim of accommodating up to one million Sikh pilgrims annually as a part of the enhanced efforts to support the global Sikh community.
Increased Religious Tourism Ahead of Parkash Gurpurb Celebrations
The timing of the visa announcement aligns with an important period on the Sikh calendar: the upcoming Parkash Gurpurb, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which is widely celebrated at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib and at Kartarpur Sahib. This event, which draws thousands of pilgrims each year, is a key celebration for Sikhs worldwide, and the new visa facilities are expected to boost attendance further.
By streamlining the visa process, Pakistan hopes to attract more Sikh pilgrims, not only from the US, UK, and Canada but also from other countries with Sikh populations. The recent move is also part of Pakistan’s larger goal to enhance tourism, with a visa-waiver scheme now extending to citizens of 124 countries.
This includes free or subsidized visa costs for selected countries, aimed at bolstering tourism and foreign investment, and fostering a welcoming environment for international visitors.
Sikh pilgrims have long expressed a desire for smoother access to religious sites in Pakistan, and the government’s current efforts underscore a commitment to supporting this. Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board, which manages the pilgrimage logistics, is preparing to welcome a significantly larger number of pilgrims.
The accessibility to multiple sites without additional permits and simplified visa requirements is anticipated to help Sikh families and younger generations connect with their faith and heritage in Pakistan.
The Sikhs from the visiting delegation have also expressed interest in potential investment opportunities within Pakistan. This comes as a testament to the goodwill and cultural ties the new visa policy fosters, going beyond mere religious tourism to also build pathways for economic engagement and cultural exchange.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏