Pakistan Issues Over 2,800 Visas to Indian Sikh Pilgrims for Baisakhi Celebrations;

Security and Hospitality Arrangements Finalized

Lahore/New Delhi Nazrana Times April 7, 2026:
Report Ali imran Chattha 

On the occasion of Baisakhi and the 327th Khalsa Janam Din celebrations, Pakistan has issued more than 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India. The pilgrims will participate in the annual Vaisakhi Mela in Pakistan from April 10 to 19, 2026, visiting key religious sites including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
The pilgrims from India are scheduled to arrive via the Wagah Border on April 10, with the main ceremony set for April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.

Extending warm felicitations, Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan to India, Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually rewarding stay. He described the visit as an affirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith and intercultural harmony. “As a proud custodian of numerous places of worship, Pakistan will continue to advance universal ideals of tolerance, goodwill and mutual respect,” he added.
The visits are being facilitated under the framework of the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974.
A high-level review meeting was held today at the Punjab Home Department to finalize security and hospitality arrangements for the pilgrims arriving from India and other parts of the world. The meeting was chaired by Secretary Home Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, with Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique, participating via video link.
Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that the security of Sikh pilgrims is the top priority. He directed all district authorities to ensure comprehensive security and the provision of all necessary facilities.
Additional Secretary Shrines, Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq, briefed the meeting that all arrangements have been finalized. These include comfortable accommodation in well-decorated marquees, quality bedding, clean drinking water, air conditioning, and proper washroom facilities at the gurdwaras and residential sites.
Foolproof security arrangements will be in place at all religious sites and surrounding areas, supported by intelligence-based operations, strict monitoring, CCTV cameras, and temporary security installations. WhatsApp groups have also been created among administrative officers to ensure seamless coordination.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, is overseeing the overall arrangements for the event.