Pakistan has issued 6,629 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the Baisakhi festival, more than double the usual quota. This unprecedented move, the first of its kind in 50 years, allows yatrees to visit sacred sites such as Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

This record visa approval reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom, providing unparalleled access to significant pilgrimage sites after decades of restricted visitation.

The decision to facilitate the influx of Sikh pilgrims is seen as a powerful gesture of interfaith diplomacy, even amid ongoing political tensions in the region.

The expansion of the visa quota has generated immense goodwill within Indian Punjab and among Sikh communities worldwide, marking a significant diplomatic step.

Pakistani officials emphasize that this initiative stands in stark contrast to India’s increasingly restrictive visa policies for religious minorities, highlighting the potential for faith to bridge cultural divides.

For the first time in half a century, Indian Sikh devotees can embark on a sacred pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib and other revered sites, turning the Baisakhi festival into a global milestone.

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This unprecedented welcome reflects Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges.

As the Sikh diaspora from countries like the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia celebrate this gesture, the issuance of 6,629 visas not only facilitates a spiritual journey but also underscores a narrative of compassion and hospitality that transcends political boundaries.