In a significant gesture of goodwill and cultural diplomacy, the Government of Pakistan has issued a record number of visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims ahead of the sacred Baisakhi festival. As per official confirmations, nearly 7,000 visas have been granted this year, marking one of the largest such delegations to visit Pakistan for religious purposes in recent history.
In This Article:
An Unprecedented Visa Approval for Sikh Pilgrims
For the first time in decades, the Pakistani government has approved such a high number of travel documents under the framework of the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974). The announcement was made by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, which disclosed the issuance of 6,500 to 7,000 visas, enabling Indian Sikhs to travel to key gurdwaras located across Pakistan.
Key Highlights:
- 6,500+ visas officially issued by Pakistan for Baisakhi 2025.
- Pilgrims visit sacred sites including Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasan Abdal), Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
- Pilgrimage organized under the 1974 Bilateral Protocol for religious visits.
- Indian pilgrims began their journey from Amritsar via the Attari-Wagah border.
This move has been seen by analysts as a positive step in India-Pakistan people-to-people relations, even amidst broader political and diplomatic challenges.
Significance of Baisakhi for the Sikh Community
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is one of the holiest festivals in Sikhism, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The festival also coincides with the harvest season in Punjab and is celebrated with vibrant processions, devotional singing, and prayers.
Main Pilgrimage Sites in Pakistan:
- Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hasan Abdal): Site where Guru Nanak is believed to have left a sacred handprint on a rock.
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib): Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib: Where Guru Nanak spent the final years of his life.
Statements from Officials and Organizers
Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi
The Pakistan High Commission stated:
“We take immense pleasure in facilitating Sikh yatrees from India for their religious journey. Issuance of visas on such a large scale reflects our commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and people-to-people exchanges.”
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
The SGPC, which plays a key role in coordinating these religious visits, expressed gratitude toward both governments, especially Pakistan, for enabling the smooth issuance of visas and ensuring safety protocols at the holy sites.
SGPC President Harpal Singh Cheema said:
“This is a welcome step that supports the spiritual aspirations of our community. The arrangements on both sides have been commendable so far.”
A Well-Coordinated Religious Visit
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were welcomed at Wagah border, and extensive arrangements were made for their accommodation, transportation, and security.
Travel Itinerary Includes:
- Hasan Abdal (Gurdwara Panja Sahib) – the central location for Baisakhi celebrations.
- Nankana Sahib – to pay homage at the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Lahore (Gurdwara Dera Sahib) – associated with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
- Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – optional visit for pilgrims already in Pakistan.
Pakistani authorities have deployed additional security forces and made special logistical arrangements to handle the influx of pilgrims.
Cultural Diplomacy Amidst Political Tensions
This year’s visa issuance takes place at a time when India-Pakistan diplomatic ties remain strained, but both countries have shown a consistent commitment to preserving religious and cultural access to sacred sites.
Religious diplomacy—particularly through Sikh pilgrimages—has often acted as a bridge of understanding and shared history between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Looking Ahead – A Hopeful Sign for Bilateral Engagement
This historic development may rekindle discussions on reviving cultural exchanges and opening more religious corridors, such as the Kartarpur Corridor, for regular, visa-free access. The success of this pilgrimage could set a new precedent for similar interfaith and cross-border collaborations in the future.
Final Thoughts
The issuance of over 6,500 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi marks a milestone in regional cultural diplomacy and highlights the power of faith to transcend borders. As thousands of devotees gather at Gurdwaras in Pakistan, the spirit of Baisakhi is celebrated not just in religious fervor but also in the hope of lasting peace and understanding between India and Pakistan.
By – Nikita
