Pakistani pilgrims in limbo amid visa hassles

LAHORE:

With the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) looming, India is delaying issuing visas to Pakistani pilgrims intending to visit the revered Sufi shrine in New Delhi.

Scheduled to depart on Tuesday (today), Pakistani pilgrims face uncertainty as they await the necessary travel documents from Indian authorities. The Urs, spanning from April 23 to April 30, draws devotees from around the world.

Sources within the Ministry of Religious Affairs reveal that the Indian High Commission was expected to deliver passports and visas to the religious affairs department on Monday. However, no instructions regarding visas were received from New Delhi as of Monday.

Notably, 199 Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Lahore on Monday in anticipation of the Urs. Ministry officials express concern over the delay, stating that if visas are not issued promptly, pilgrims may be forced to postpone their departure until Wednesday.