Facilitating the Sikh pilgrims coming to Pakistan to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, Pakistan has softened its policy for Sikh pilgrims till November 30, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.
According to the new rules, Sikhs now won’t have to inform 10 days ahead of their arrival in Pakistan. The law of the land about Sikh pilgrims coming to visit their religious sites made it mandatory to apply 10 days ahead of their visit to Kartarpur Gurdwara in the Narowal district.
But now, Pakistan removed the condition and softened the policy for the Sikh pilgrims.
Pakistani officials said that the decision about policy relaxation was taken while respecting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community coming from India.
Pakistani authorities said that they hope India will abide by the same old policy from December 1.
Officials said that authorities also took this decision keeping in view the last-minute opening of Kartarpur Corridor from the Indian side.
Pertinent to note that Sikh community in India wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reopen Kartarpur Corridor ahead of the Guru Nanak birth anniversary celebrations in Pakistan.
PM IMRAN KHAN’s MESSAGE
Prime Minister Imran Khan wished 552nd Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti (birth anniversary) to Sikh community around the world.
Imran Khan said, “On this auspicious occasion, we welcome thousands of Sikhs to visit their religious sites in Pakistan.”
The premier reiterated his government’s commitment to continue facilitating them to perform their religious rituals.
NANAKANA SAHIB GURDWARA
Pakistan have made foolproof security arrangements for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak ceremonies in Nanaka Sahib — the birthplace of Sikh religion supremo.
Sikh community from India and all over the world are participating in the celebrations and performing their religious rites.
Sikh Yatrees expressed their profound gratitude and satisfaction over the arrangements made by Pakistan government.
Reporters Saud Butt and Awais Khan