CHANDIGARH: Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Sikh pilgrims from the US, UK and Canada will receive free online visas within 30 minutes upon arrival in the country to pay respect to their religious sites.
Naqvi's remarks came as he met with a 44-member foreign delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on Thursday.
Speaking to the delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on Thursday, Naqvi acknowledged past challenges faced by Sikh visitors and emphasised his administration's efforts to simplify travel for religious purposes.
“Providing more facilities to the Sikh community is our priority," Naqvi said, adding that holders of American, Canadian, and UK passports can now apply online without any fees. He further assured, “You can come to Pakistan 10 times a year, and we will welcome you every time.”
Naqvi likened Pakistan's significance to Sikhs to that of Saudi Arabia for Muslims. He also announced the opening of various Sikh heritage sites across Pakistan, where no permits will be required.
Expressing his vision, he mentioned plans to increase the annual number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from 100,000 to one million, with particular emphasis on engaging younger generations.
The Sikh delegation expressed gratitude for the hospitality and appreciated the streamlined visa process, stating, “You have won our hearts.”
The policy change is part of Pakistan's broader initiative to boost tourism and investment, as visa fees for citizens of 124 countries have been entirely waived since August 14.
The Pakistani government’s decision to grant free online visas to Sikh pilgrims from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada has been welcomed by the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA).
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, praised the initiative, noting that it greatly simplifies the visa application process for the Sikh diaspora. Chahal also called on both Pakistan and India to reopen the Wagah border for cross-border trade. “
The seamless movement of goods would allow traders and businesses from both sides to engage directly, reducing costs associated with longer shipping routes and logistics,” he said.
He underscored the economic benefits, including revitalising local industries, job creation, and enhanced prosperity for millions across both nations.
Chahal further pointed out that trade via Wagah would offer consumers a greater variety of goods at competitive prices and increase access to unique products such as textiles, spices, agricultural produce, and machinery.
“With greater access to each other’s markets, the balance of trade can become more equitable, benefiting both countries' economies,” he added.
