In a welcoming gesture for Sikh pilgrims, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistani government has announced that it will waive visa fees for visitors from the Sikh community.
This decision was revealed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with a delegation of 44 Sikh pilgrims who arrived from the United States on Thursday.
During the meeting at the State Guest House, Naqvi extended a warm welcome to the pilgrims and emphasized the availability of a visa-on-arrival option for Sikh pilgrims holding US passports.
He reassured the delegation that they would encounter no difficulties in obtaining their visas, which can be processed within just half an hour upon arrival at the airport.
Naqvi stated, “If you have a passport, just close your eyes and come,” highlighting the government’s commitment to facilitating their visit. He encouraged the pilgrims to explore significant religious sites such as Hassan Abdal, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur, promising that any challenges they may face would be swiftly addressed.
Furthermore, the minister expressed the government’s eagerness to accommodate visitors for major cricket events, including the Champions Trophy and matches between Pakistan and India.
A special quota has been reserved for Sikh pilgrims and visitors from India.
Sikh community members with passports from the US, Canada, and the UK can easily complete an online application to obtain their visa within 30 minutes.
The government aims to host one million Sikh pilgrims annually and has also extended visa-free entry to citizens from 124 countries.
