The High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi has issued visas to over 300 Sikh pilgrims from India to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore.
The visas issued are in addition to those issued to Sikh pilgrims participating in the event from other countries.
A special train arranged by the Pakistan Railways carried the pilgrims from Attari to Pakistan on Thursday, the High Commission here said.
Within the framework of the India-Pakistan Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions every year.
Meanwhile, another Sikh Jatha from India had returned from Pakistan after observing the martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev Ji from 8-17 June.
The issuance of pilgrimage visas was in line with the Pakistan Government’s efforts to promote visits to religious shrines and people-to-people interactions. It also reflected the commitment of the government to faithfully implement the bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, the High Commission said.