The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued more than 3,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the celebrations for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary at Nankana Sahib. The festivities are scheduled to take place from November 14 to 23.

In response to concerns regarding visa denials, the High Commission clarified that these visas allow Sikh pilgrims to participate in the commemorative events.

Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, extended his best wishes to the pilgrims for their journey.

Under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, established in 1950, approximately 3,000 Sikh pilgrims are granted access to visit sacred sites in Pakistan during four major events each year, including Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary.

However, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, expressed disappointment at the denial of 65% of the visa applications submitted by the SGPC.

Out of 2,244 applications, only 763 were approved, prompting calls for both governments to address the issue.

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The Sikh group is set to cross into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border on November 14 and will participate in celebrations at Nankana Sahib on November 15.

Throughout their 10-day pilgrimage, they will also visit other significant gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.