Baisakhi Festival to Welcome Thousands of Pilgrims
Pakistan has issued more than 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the upcoming Baisakhi festival. The celebrations will begin on April 10 and continue until April 19. The move reflects efforts to facilitate religious tourism and cultural exchange.
Evacuee Trust Property Board confirmed the development in an official statement. The visas have been issued for both Baisakhi and the 327th Khalsa Janamdin celebrations. Baisakhi is an important festival for Sikhs. It marks the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa.
Authorities expect more than 26,000 pilgrims from around the world to participate in the celebrations. The main ceremony will take place on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib. This site holds great religious significance for the Sikh community.
Pilgrims from India are scheduled to arrive in Lahore via the Wagah Border on April 10. Their arrival marks the beginning of the main events.
Security and Hospitality Plans Finalised
A high-level meeting was held at the Punjab Home Department to review arrangements. The session was chaired by Ahmad Javed Qazi and attended by Khawaja Salman Rafique. Officials discussed security, health, and logistical preparations.
Authorities assured that the safety of pilgrims is a top priority. District administrations have been instructed to ensure full security coverage. Law enforcement agencies will monitor all key locations.
Nasir Mushtaq shared details of the arrangements. He said comfortable accommodation has been arranged. Facilities include clean drinking water, air conditioning, proper bedding, and hygienic washrooms.
Security measures include CCTV surveillance and intelligence-based operations. Temporary security setups will also be installed at religious sites. Coordination among officials will be ensured through digital communication channels.
These steps aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all visitors. Authorities want to maintain smooth operations throughout the festival.
Cross-Border Religious Travel and Challenges
The visa issuance comes after a period of restrictions on cross-border travel. India had earlier limited visits to Pakistan following tensions between the two countries. However, Sikh community demands led to some relaxation in November last year.
Pilgrims are now allowed to visit holy sites in Pakistan on special occasions. This includes major festivals like Baisakhi.
However, the Kartarpur Corridor remains closed from India’s side. The corridor allows visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. India has cited security concerns for the closure. Pakistan, on the other hand, has kept its side open and urged India to reopen the route.
Despite these challenges, the current visa initiative is seen as a positive step. It supports religious harmony and people-to-people contact.
The Baisakhi celebrations are expected to proceed with strong participation. Authorities remain focused on ensuring safety and comfort. The event highlights Pakistan’s role in hosting international religious pilgrims.
