Sikh pilgrims return to India after visa extension

The interior ministry has extended the visas of two Indian nationals, allowing them to return to their country via the Wagah border on Sunday.

Sardar Nishbar Singh and Sardar Lakhbir Singh came to Pakistan on April 12 for the Baisakhi Mela. During his stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Lakhbir Singh lost his passport while Nishbar Singh’s passport was with his family. On April 21, when the Sikh pilgrims returned to India, Nashbar Singh’s family members crossed

the border without him.
Due to these factors, the two Sikh pilgrims could not return to India and their visas expired on April 23.

Due to the efforts of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Nishbar Singh’s passport was obtained from his family members while Lakbhir Singh was issued a temporary travel document by the Indian High

Commission in Islamabad. Later, their visas were extended till April 29 and they returned to India.
Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) Chairman Sardar Amir Singh and ETPB Secretary Rana Shahid had bid farewell to the guests at the border crossing.