Sikh Yatrees entering Pakistan through Wagah Border to attend Baisakhi

LAHORE:Sikh pilgrims from India are flocking to Pakistan via the Wagah Border to celebrate Baisakhi, their religious and cultural festival.

They are cordially welcomed by officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board, members of the Pakistani government, and members of the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

All arrangements for Sikh Yatrees have been finalized, according to ETPB spokesman Amir Hashmi.

He stated that after arriving in Lahore, pilgrims will travel by train and coaches to Hassan Abdal, where the Vaisakhi Mela’s major function will be conducted on Thursday.

On the 21st of this month, they will depart Pakistan for India.

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Earlier, On the eve of the Baisakhi celebrations, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued over 2,200 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual festival scheduled to be held in Pakistan from April 12 to 21.

The issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. Every year, a large number of Sikh Yatrees from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries.

The issuance of pilgrimage visas to religious pilgrims by the High Commission is in line with the government of Pakistan’s commitment to fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between the two countries.

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On the other hand, Pakistan Railways has planned to operate nine special trains from April 12 to 17 to facilitate Sikh pilgrims coming from India for their religious rituals.

According to a letter issued on the directions of Divisional Superintendent Lahore Rahat Mirza, special arrangements would be made for the guests at the railway stations, especially at Nankana Sahib and Hassan Abdal.

Railway officers will remain available and monitor the facilities during the visit of the Sikh Yatrees.