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       LAHORE: For the first time in 50 years, the government has issued over 6,700 visas to Indian Sikhs for the Baisakhi Festival starting on April 14.

       The Sikh pilgrims from India will arrive here on Thursday (tomorrow) via Wagah Border and main event will be held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib on April 14 instead of Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasanabdal, where it used to be held in the past.

       “Under the Pakistan-India Religious Protocol Agreement 1974, up to 3,000 Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for any religious festival. However, the government of Pakistan has issued a total of 6,751 visas, granting 3,751 additional visas on the special request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Evacuee Trust Property Board,” ETPB Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar said on Tuesday.

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       Mr Khokhar added that all necessary facilities for the pilgrims were being ensured.

       “Air-conditioned buses, comfortable residential facilities and foolproof security would be provided to the pilgrims.”

       According to ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal, this is the first time in Pakistan’s history that such a large number of Indian Sikh pilgrims will be visiting for a religious pilgrimage.

       “Lesco authorities have been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the festival. Police and security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of the visitors,” he added. The Indian Sikhs will return to their homeland on April 19.

       Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2025