Pakistan issues visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims for Katas Raj visit

HC grants 96 visas to pilgrims to visit temples in Punjab's Chakwal district from Dec 19 to 25

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 62 visas to a group of Indian Hindu pilgrims, allowing them to visit the historic Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas, situated in the Chakwal district of Punjab. The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 19th to 25th December.

In a statement on Monday, Charge d’ Affaires Aizaz Khan expressed his heartfelt wishes to the pilgrims, extending hopes for a safe journey and a memorable stay in Pakistan.

The issuance of these pilgrimage visas falls under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines established in 1974. This bilateral agreement has facilitated the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Sikh and Hindu devotees from India, allowing them to participate in various religious festivals and occasions hosted in Pakistan.

Earlier this month, Pakistan granted 104 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims to participate in the 315th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at the Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh. The 300-year old temple is a sacred place for Hindu devotees from across the globe. The Shadani Darbar was founded in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib, who was born in Lahore in 1708.

The visit to Shree Katas Raj Temples holds great significance for the Hindu community, as these temples are revered for their historical and cultural importance. The pilgrimage reflects the commitment of both nations to honour and preserve cultural heritage and religious tradition.

Pakistan's initiative to grant visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims aligns with the objective of facilitating the visits to religious shrines and promoting the interfaith harmony.