Lahore, Pakistan – In a significant move to foster goodwill and strengthen ties with the Sikh community, the government of Pakistan has announced a free online visa initiative for Sikh devotees from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This announcement was made by Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, during a meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on Thursday. The newly introduced online visa process will allow Sikh pilgrims to obtain their visas within just 30 minutes of their arrival in Pakistan. This expedited service aims to ease the travel experience for Sikh devotees, who have encountered challenges in the past when visiting the country.
Minister Naqvi emphasized the government's commitment to simplifying the visa process, stating that it is now accessible online at no charge for American, Canadian, and UK passport holders. Additionally, Sikhs of Indian origin will also benefit from this initiative. "We extend a warm welcome to the Sikh community in Pakistan. Our priority is to provide more facilities and a hassle-free experience for Sikh pilgrims,” Naqvi remarked. He highlighted that the government has made it possible for pilgrims to visit Pakistan up to ten times a year, reinforcing the message of hospitality. Minister Naqvi further expressed the importance of Pakistan as a sacred site for the Sikh community, drawing parallels to the significance of Saudi Arabia for Muslims.
Many Sikh heritage sites across Pakistan will be open for visitation without the need for special permissions, reflecting the country’s commitment to honoring its rich cultural diversity. Notably, Naqvi also announced a change in visa rules that will waive visa fees for citizens of 124 countries. This reform, effective from August 14, aims to enhance Pakistan's appeal as a tourism and investment destination. With a goal to increase the number of Sikh pilgrims from 100,000 to 1 million annually, the government of Pakistan is actively working to promote religious tourism and cultural exchange. As this new initiative rolls out, it is expected to strengthen the bonds between Pakistan and the global Sikh community, inviting them to explore their heritage in a welcoming environment.