Sikh Pilgrims from UK, US, and Canada to Receive Free On-Arrival Visas to Pakistan
The significance of Pakistan for Sikh pilgrims, home to many key religious landmarks, was likened by Naqvi to that of Saudi Arabia for Muslims.
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering religious tourism, Pakistan has introduced a swift, fee-free online visa process for Sikh pilgrims from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, allowing access within 30 minutes upon arrival. The announcement came from Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, during a meeting with a 44-member Sikh delegation in Lahore on Thursday.
Naqvi acknowledged the past obstacles Sikh visitors faced when visiting Pakistan’s revered religious sites. He emphasized the government’s commitment to easing travel for Sikh pilgrims, stating, “Providing more facilities to the Sikh community is our priority.” With the new system, Sikh travelers holding American, Canadian, or UK passports can now apply for visas online at no cost. Naqvi underscored the inclusivity of this policy by assuring pilgrims, “You can come to Pakistan 10 times a year, and we will welcome you every time.”
Naqvi likened Pakistan’s significance for Sikh pilgrims, home to many key religious landmarks, to that of Saudi Arabia for Muslims. As part of Pakistan’s effort to enhance access, he announced that various Sikh heritage sites across the country would no longer require permits for visits. Naqvi revealed his vision to increase the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan annually from 100,000 to one million, placing special focus on attracting younger members of the Sikh community.
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