Sikh Pilgrims Receive Visas for Pakistan as India Lifts Ban
India has officially lifted its ban on pilgrimages to Pakistan. This major policy shift allows religious groups to resume their sacred journeys. Consequently, the first groups of Sikh pilgrims have now received their visas.
This development follows a period of strained diplomatic relations. However, it signals a positive step for people-to-people connections. For example, these pilgrims can now visit their faith’s holy sites freely.
A Journey to Sacred Sites
The pilgrim groups, known as ‘Jathas’, will visit several key locations. Their itinerary includes stops in Lahore and Nankana Sahib. Nankana Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Therefore, this journey holds immense spiritual significance for the community.
The visa issuance comes after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’. This initiative successfully brought back sacred items from Pakistan. In addition, it helped facilitate these new pilgrimage travels. The move fosters important interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Both governments cooperated to make these visits possible. This cooperation ensures the safety and smooth travel of all devotees. Ultimately, it strengthens cultural and religious bonds across the border. Many hope this creates a lasting pathway for future pilgrimages.
