More than 2,500 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border on Friday to attend Baisakhi celebrations and the 327th Khalsa birth anniversary, officials said.

The pilgrims were received by authorities of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and officials of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Participants praised the warm welcome and arrangements made for their stay.

Officials confirmed that 2,840 visas were issued to Indian pilgrims, allowing them to undertake a 10-day religious visit.

The group will travel to key Sikh holy sites, including Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib, Kartarpur and Lahore, before returning to India on April 19.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said the issuance of visas in the current regional climate reflects Pakistan’s commitment to peace and religious freedom.

He described Pakistan as a welcoming place for Sikhs and reiterated that people of all faiths enjoy full religious rights in the country.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said comprehensive arrangements had been made to ensure pilgrims face no difficulties during their stay. He also extended Baisakhi greetings, calling Pakistan the sacred land of Guru Nanak.

Pilgrim representative Sardar Chintog Singh thanked the Pakistani government for granting visas despite border tensions, calling the move commendable.

Some pilgrims also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in easing regional tensions, saying such steps contribute to broader peace.