Pakistan issues visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims for visit to Shadani Darbar

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 104 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims to participate in the 315th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar in Sindh.

The pilgrimage is scheduled to commence from December 12 to 23, 2023. According to a press release from the high commission on Friday, Charge'd'Affaires Aizaz Khan extended “heartfelt felicitations” to the pilgrims and wished them a safe journey.

Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974

Under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, thousands of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to attend various religious festivals and occasions every year.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas is in line with the government of Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate visits to religious shrines and promote interfaith harmony, the press release stated.

Earlier on Dec 1, Sikh pilgrims hailing from diverse corners of the world, including India, concluded their visit to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal after actively participating in religious ceremonies.

Throughout their three-day stay, elaborate religious rituals were conducted, marking the occasion of Baba Guru Nanak's birthday celebrations. Following the culmination of the festivities, pilgrims bid farewell to Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal.

Read Sikh pilgrims leave after attending rituals

Stringent security measures were enforced under the direct supervision of Attock DPO. Before their departure, customary rituals were observed, and the pilgrims extended their gratitude to the local administration for making impeccable arrangements.

Sardar Balvinder Singh, the leader of the Bhai Mardana Parbandhak Committee in Delhi, praised the efforts made by the Pakistani government to maintain and restore gurdwaras.