NEW DELHI (special crosspondent) – The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 438 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India, facilitating their travel to attend commemorative events marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The events are scheduled to take place in Pakistan from June 21 to June 30, 2024. The issuance of these pilgrimage visas is a regular feature under a key bilateral agreement.

Commitment to Interreligious Harmony

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich extended his heartfelt felicitations to the pilgrims. He underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting interreligious and intercultural harmony and understanding between the two nations.

The visit will allow the pilgrims to participate in rituals at various religious sites in Pakistan significant to the Sikh faith.

1974 Bilateral Protocol

The issuance of these visas is conducted within the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. This bilateral agreement aims to facilitate visits by Indian and Pakistani citizens to designated religious shrines in each other’s country, fostering people-to-people connections and religious tourism.