TBM Staff - Mumbai
In response to its financial challenges, the Pakistani government has introduced visa-on-arrival privileges for Sikhs holding passports from countries other than India, along with waiving visa fees for travelers from 126 nations. This decision, made during a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday, aims to generate additional revenue sources. The cabinet approved a sub-category for visa-on-arrival facilities specifically for Sikh pilgrims from third countries and decided to implement a dashboard at the Interior Ministry to oversee the online visa system.
Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi Chief Paramjit Singh Sarna welcomed the move, stating that the decision to grant visas on arrival to NRI Sikhs visiting Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and other historical gurdwaras in Pakistan aligns with Sikh aspirations. He also expressed hope that Pakistan would extend similar facilities to Sikhs living in India and appealed for relaxation of passport requirements for devotees visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib via the Kartarpur Corridor, suggesting the use of other identifications like Aadhaar cards.
The Pakistani government has also launched a relaxed visa policy that includes an online visa application system, allowing citizens from 126 countries to obtain business and tourist visas within 24 hours, with exemptions from processing fees. To attract Sikh pilgrims from countries beyond India, Pakistan plans to establish several ‘star category’ sarais (inns) at Kartarpur Sahib and open shopping malls offering branded Pakistani products, catering to the high demand from the Indian diaspora.
