Sikh pilgrims will no longer have to pay visa fees to visit Pakistan

On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a considerable relaxation of the rules for obtaining visas for Sikh pilgrims travelling to Pakistan. With immediate effect, Sikh pilgrims will no longer have to pay visa fees and will be able to obtain their visas in less than half an hour.

Hosting a group of 44 American Sikhs, Mr Naqvi emphasised the ease of travel for American citizens, who can obtain visas on arrival and make several visits to Pakistan without any problems. He also said that citizens of the UK and Canada can easily obtain visas through a simplified online procedure.

Mr Naqvi expressed his wish to welcome one million Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan, encouraging them to explore sites other than the traditional ones such as Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur and Hassan Abdal. He also invited members of the Sikh community, including Indian nationals, to attend the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, making special arrangements for their participation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi expressed his wish to increase the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from 1 lac to 1 million per annum, with special emphasis on attracting the younger generation. Delegation of Sikh pilgrims thanked Interior Minister Naqvi for his hospitality and praised the ease with which visas are processed online: ‘You have won our hearts’. 

Pakistani Sikh pilgrims pay homage to a number of holy sites associated with the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Among the most important pilgrimage sites in Pakistan are

• Nankana Sahib: The birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• Kartarpur Sahib: The final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• Panja Sahib: A sacred site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s handprint is said to have been engraved on a rock.

These sites are of great religious importance to Sikhs and visiting them is considered a spiritual journey.