Daily Times

LAHORE: Despite soaring tensions between Pakistan and India, 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India have been granted visas to commemorate birth of Khalsa, which is also commonly known as Baisakhi, at Hasan Abdal’s Panja Sahib Gurdwara.

The pilgrims will commence their journey on April 12 via special trains and will reach Lahore’s Wahga Railway Station. From there, the 2,000 visitors will be taken to Hasan Abdal’s Panja Sahib Gurdwara under stern security.

Speaking to the media, representatives of the Pakistani Embassy in India said that all applications filed by the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for the issuance of the visa have been accepted.

On the other hand, Shiromani Gurdwara committee claimed that Indian officials were trying to stop Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee senior leader Sardar Bhushan Singh expressed regret over reports of Indian attempts to promote negative sentiments against the neighbouring country.

Moreover, the Pak-committee added that the preparations for Baisakhi are entering final stage, while it was also said that over 20,000 Sikh pilgrims from all around the world would visit the country. It was added that all visitors will be provided free of cost residence and food.