In a remarkable display of interfaith goodwill, Pakistan has issued a record-breaking number of visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the 2025 Baisakhi festival, marking a significant moment in cross-border relations. For the first time in over 50 years, the Pakistani government has granted over 6,700 visas, more than doubling the usual quota of 3,000 set under the 1974 Pakistan-India Religious Protocol Agreement. This unprecedented move has enabled thousands of Sikh devotees to visit sacred sites across Pakistan, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. This article explores the significance of this gesture, the logistics behind accommodating such a large influx of pilgrims, and the broader implications for cultural and spiritual diplomacy.
A Landmark Decision for Baisakhi 2025
Baisakhi, celebrated on April 14, holds profound significance for Sikhs worldwide, marking the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is a time of spiritual renewal, community gatherings, and pilgrimage to holy sites. Historically, Sikh pilgrims from India have visited Pakistan for Baisakhi under a bilateral agreement that limits the number of visas to 3,000 for major religious festivals. However, in 2025, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) made a special request to exceed this cap, resulting in 6,751 visas being issued—a gesture hailed as a milestone in religious tourism.
The decision reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fostering harmony and preserving Sikh heritage sites. “Pakistan is like a second home to Sikhs. We are fully prepared to warmly welcome all incoming guests,” said Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary of the ETPB, emphasizing the country’s dedication to facilitating the pilgrims’ spiritual journey. The visas allow pilgrims to participate in a 10-day itinerary from April 10 to April 19, visiting key gurdwaras such as Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, and Kartarpur Sahib.
Logistical Arrangements for a Massive Pilgrimage
Accommodating over 6,700 pilgrims required significant planning and coordination by Pakistani authorities. To manage the large influx, the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Punjab government devised a revised program, dividing pilgrims into two groups. Group 1 visits Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, while Group 2 heads to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Both groups converge at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib for the main Baisakhi ceremony on April 14, a shift from the traditional venue of Panja Sahib due to the increased number of visitors.
The authorities have ensured comprehensive facilities, including air-conditioned buses, comfortable accommodations, and robust security measures. Gurdwaras across Pakistan have been beautifully decorated to welcome the pilgrims, and medical services are on standby to address any needs. Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab’s first Sikh minister, noted that religious tourism in the province has increased by 72%, with approximately 20,000 local and international pilgrims expected to join the celebrations. The itinerary also includes visits to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, and Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad, ensuring a fulfilling spiritual experience.
A Symbol of Spiritual and Cultural Diplomacy
Pakistan’s decision to issue additional visas has been widely praised as a powerful act of interfaith diplomacy, especially amid ongoing political tensions with India. The move underscores the potential of cultural and religious exchanges to transcend borders and foster understanding. Sikh leaders and pilgrims have expressed gratitude, with many describing the opportunity to visit Nankana Sahib as a “sacred homecoming.” Social media posts from the Sikh community reflect emotional responses, calling the gesture a “historic moment of access and inclusion.”
The initiative also aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to promote religious tourism. Recent steps, such as the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019 and visa-free access for Sikhs from 126 countries, demonstrate a commitment to making sacred sites accessible. “Whoever wants to come to Pakistan to pay obeisance at gurdwaras is welcome,” said Arora, highlighting the inclusive approach. This contrasts with stricter visa policies elsewhere, earning Pakistan international recognition for prioritizing heritage and hospitality.
The Spiritual Significance of Nankana Sahib
The choice of Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib as the main venue for Baisakhi 2025 adds profound meaning to the pilgrimage. Located 65 km from Lahore, Nankana Sahib is revered as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, born in 1469. The town, formerly known as Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi, was renamed in his honor, and the gurdwara stands as a global symbol of Sikhism’s roots. For many pilgrims, visiting this site is a lifelong dream, offering a chance to connect with the teachings of Guru Nanak, who emphasized unity, compassion, and equality.
The pilgrimage also allows devotees to explore other historic gurdwaras, each tied to significant moments in Sikh history. From Panja Sahib, where Guru Nanak’s handprint is believed to be imprinted on a boulder, to Kartarpur, where he spent his final years, these sites embody the enduring legacy of Sikhism’s Ten Gurus. The opportunity to visit multiple gurdwaras during Baisakhi enhances the spiritual depth of the journey, making Pakistan’s visa initiative all the more impactful.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the record visa issuance is a cause for celebration, it also highlights logistical challenges. Managing thousands of pilgrims requires meticulous planning to ensure safety, comfort, and access to religious services. Past years saw fewer visas issued—2,843 in 2024 and 2,200 in 2022—making 2025’s scale unprecedented. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future pilgrimages, encouraging further collaboration between India and Pakistan on religious exchanges.
Moreover, the gesture opens a window for improving bilateral relations through cultural dialogue. As pilgrims cross the Attari-Wagah border, they carry not only faith but also hopes for peace and understanding. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed gratitude to Pakistani authorities, with president Harjinder Singh Dhami thanking the Pakistan High Commission for approving visas for all 1,942 pilgrims in their jatha. Such exchanges underscore the shared heritage that binds communities across borders.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s issuance of over 6,700 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi 2025 is more than a logistical achievement—it is a testament to the power of faith to bridge divides. By opening its doors to thousands of devotees, Pakistan has reaffirmed its role as a custodian of Sikh heritage and a proponent of interfaith harmony. The pilgrims, who began arriving on April 10 via the Wagah Border, will return to India on April 19 with memories of a spiritually enriching journey. As the sounds of prayers and celebrations echo through Nankana Sahib, this historic gesture stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that compassion and cultural respect can pave the way for a more connected world.
