The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted over 2,800 visas to Indian pilgrims for the Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan, scheduled from April 10 to 19, 2026. Pilgrims will visit prominent Sikh religious sites such as Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, according to an official statement.

Extending his greetings, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to India, Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually fulfilling visit and highlighted the broader significance of their journey. He stated that the visit reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fostering interreligious and intercultural harmony. Warraich also noted Pakistan’s role as a custodian of numerous places of worship, emphasizing its dedication to tolerance, goodwill, and mutual respect.

This pilgrimage is being conducted under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974, which governs cross-border religious visits between the two countries. The protocol ensures pilgrims access key historical and religious sites in a safe and organized manner. Baisakhi, celebrated widely by the Sikh community, marks the harvest festival in Punjab and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. Every year, thousands of Indian devotees visit sacred Sikh shrines in Pakistan, reinforcing cultural and spiritual ties. This year’s visa issuance has been welcomed by Indian religious communities as an opportunity to deepen faith and strengthen cultural connections.

Pilgrimage organizers have coordinated with authorities in both countries to ensure smooth travel and compliance with protocols. Warraich emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating such visits, promoting interfaith dialogue, and providing a spiritually enriching experience. The High Commission confirmed that all arrangements, including travel, accommodation, and access to religious sites, have been made to ensure a safe and well-organized pilgrimage.