Sikh pilgrims from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada will soon enjoy a streamlined travel experience to Pakistan, thanks to a new initiative announced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. During a meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on November 2, 2024, Naqvi revealed that these pilgrims can now obtain free online visas within just 30 minutes of their arrival in the country.
Key Features of the Visa Initiative
- Eligibility: The visa policy is available to Sikh passport holders from the US, UK, and Canada, including Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these nations.
- Application Process: Pilgrims will only need to complete a simple form upon arrival to receive their visa, significantly reducing previous travel barriers.
- Visit Frequency: Each pilgrim is permitted to visit Pakistan up to 10 times per year, enhancing opportunities for spiritual engagement.
- Access to Heritage Sites: Several Sikh heritage sites will be opened for visitation without requiring additional permits, further promoting pilgrimage tourism.
Government Goals
The Pakistani government aims to increase the annual number of Sikh pilgrims from approximately 100,000 to one million, emphasizing the importance of these visits for cultural exchange and religious observance. Naqvi likened the significance of Pakistan for Sikhs to that of Saudi Arabia for Muslims, underscoring the country’s commitment to facilitating access to its religious sites.
Community Reception
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from Sikh communities and organizations such as the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA). Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal praised the initiative for simplifying travel for Sikhs and expressed hope for enhanced cultural exchanges. The visiting delegation expressed their gratitude, stating that this initiative has “won their hearts” and made travel significantly easier.
This policy change comes just in time for significant Sikh celebrations, including the Parkash Gurpurb, which attracts large numbers of pilgrims to Pakistan’s sacred sites like Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. The government’s broader strategy includes waiving visa fees for citizens from 124 countries since August 14, aiming to boost tourism and investment in Pakistan.
