Taxila has been lit up with lights as 1100 people just arrived for a religious procession that holds great importance when considering the ties between Pakistan and India. The Sikhs have arrived to mark the 550th Birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. The Gurdwara was decorated with colourful lights and pilgrims performed various rituals as part of the procession.
Imran Gondal, Deputy Secretary Shrines, for the Evacuee Trust Property Board said:
Around 1,300 visas issued for the Nagar Kirtan are over and above the contingent covered under the Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines 1974 between Pakistan and India,Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan for religious festivals at least four times a year under the framework of the 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines but denial to visit Pakistan to participate in religious rituals despite having valid visas is not understood.
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Sikh pilgrims also praised the government’s efforts with regards to the Kartarpur corridor:
Pakistan is sacred to us and we love it, and we come here with a message of peace and brotherhood
The district police will provide foolproof security to Sikh yatrees,” he said, adding: “Around 700 policemen will perform security duties, including four district superintendents, six inspectors, 11 sub-inspectors, 23 assistant sub-inspectors, 33 head constables, 506 constables, 40 women constables and plainclothes officers
This was a result of PM Khan making it easier for Sikhs to attend their religious processions in Pakistan with this announcement:
For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport – just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration & on Guruji’s 550th birthday
