Pakistan Launches Free Online Visa for Sikh Pilgrims from the US, UK, and Canada

In a landmark announcement, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that Sikh pilgrims from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada can now apply for a free online visa to visit Pakistan’s revered Sikh sites. Eligible pilgrims will receive their visas within just 30 minutes, simplifying access to the country’s religious and cultural heritage.

This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate religious tourism and strengthen its appeal as a destination for Sikh pilgrims worldwide.

Enhanced Facilities for Sikh Pilgrims

During a meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore, Naqvi acknowledged the previous challenges faced by Sikh visitors and emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the travel process for religious purposes.

“Providing more facilities to the Sikh community is our priority,” Naqvi stated, assuring pilgrims that they are welcome to visit Pakistan multiple times annually.

Naqvi also shared that American, Canadian, and UK passport holders can now complete the visa application process online at no cost. In his address, he likened Pakistan’s significance to the Sikh community to that of Saudi Arabia for Muslims, underscoring Pakistan’s dedication to making Sikh heritage sites more accessible.

Expanding Access to Sikh Heritage Sites

As part of this initiative, Naqvi announced that Sikh heritage sites across Pakistan will now be open to pilgrims without requiring additional permits, allowing easier access to religious sites of immense cultural importance.

With a vision of increasing the annual number of Sikh pilgrims from the current 100,000 to one million, Naqvi expressed a particular interest in attracting younger generations to engage with their heritage in Pakistan.

Gratitude for Improved Visa Services

The Sikh delegation warmly welcomed these developments, expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and commitment to streamlining the visa process. “You have won our hearts,” a delegation member said, praising the simplified visa application.

Pakistan’s Broader Visa Waiver Policy to Boost Tourism and Investment

Pakistan has been actively working to promote tourism by waiving visa fees for citizens of 124 countries since August 14. This new policy for Sikh pilgrims aligns with the country’s broader initiative to attract international visitors and stimulate investment through increased cultural exchanges.

NAPA Commends New Visa Policy

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has praised Pakistan’s visa policy, highlighting its potential to facilitate cultural and religious travel for the Sikh diaspora.

Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, acknowledged the positive impact on the Sikh community, noting that the visa waiver makes the pilgrimage process significantly easier.

Chahal also urged both Pakistan and India to consider reopening the Wagah border for cross-border trade. “Seamless trade would benefit businesses on both sides by reducing costs associated with longer logistics routes,” he said, suggesting that enhanced cross-border movement could strengthen regional economies.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s new free visa policy for Sikh pilgrims from the U.S., UK, and Canada reflects the government’s commitment to religious tourism and cultural inclusion.

As more Sikh pilgrims make their way to Pakistan, this initiative is expected to foster stronger cultural ties, increase tourism, and encourage economic collaboration between neighbouring countries.