Biggest Sikh jatha in several years cross border as Pakistan approves more than double the usual number of visas

One of the pilgrims said he was elated as their visa applications were rejected previously.

“My visa request to visit gurdwaras in Pakistan was denied twice. I had no hope this time, either. I prayed to the Almighty to bless me so that I could get a visa. I am very happy that now, finally, I can go to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sev ji,” said Harvider Singh, 57, from Moga.

Among those going to Pakistan this time were 1,942 pilgrims from a group coordinated by SGPC, which has consistently raised the issue of the neighbouring country not granting visas to all devotees who apply to visit gurdwaras.

Partap Singh, secretary of the Committee, said, “SGPC had submitted 1,942 passports to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, which has now issued the required visas. After a long time, all the visa requests have been accepted.”

Partap Singh said the jatha departed from the SGPC office in Amritsar and is expected to cross over to Pakistan by Thursday evening. “The jatha will attend the main congregation at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal and will also visit other gurdwaras. They are scheduled to return on April 19,” he said.

Satbir Singh Dhami, officer on special duty, SGPC, said, “In the previous years, many devotees were denied visas, which was disappointing. This time, an SGPC delegation met officials at the Pakistan High Commission and requested approval for all applicants”.

“We are thankful to the Pakistan High Commission and both governments for allowing all pilgrims to travel this year,” he added.

Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary of Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was quoted as saying by Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn that they have made several arrangements for the visiting pilgrims.

“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,” said Khokhar.

SGPC and other Sikh bodies send pilgrims to Pakistan under the Simla Agreement of 1972 on four occasions yearly: the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak (November 15), Vaisakhi, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev (June 16) and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (June 27).

SGPC president thanks Pakistan High Commission

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has written a letter to Saad Warraich, Chief Commissioner at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, expressing his gratitude for “generously granting visas to Sikh pilgrims”. In the letter, the SGPC president stated that this cooperation has enabled Sikh pilgrims to visit their historical and sacred shrines.

He added that such a decision not only respects the religious sentiments of the pilgrims but also contributes significantly to strengthening the cultural and communal ties between India and Pakistan.

He also thanked the Pakistan government for issuing many visas and making suitable arrangements for the pilgrims. The SGPC president expressed hope that such cooperation will continue in the future, allowing the Sikh community to remain connected with their heritage and to visit their revered gurdwara.