The Pakistani government has announced that Sikhs from the United States, Canada and Britain will receive free online visas within 30 minutes of arriving in the country to pay homage at their holy shrines located across the country.

The announcement was made by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the United States held in Lahore on Thursday.

“You can visit Pakistan up to 10 times a year and we will welcome you every time. Applicants only need to fill out a form to receive a visa within 30 minutes,” Naqvi told the Sikh delegation.

The minister clarified that this facility also extends to Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these countries.

Naqvi also announced that several Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan would be open for visits and no permits would be required in this regard. “The government wanted more and more pilgrims, including young Sikhs, to visit Pakistan,” he said.

Visiting Sikhs have expressed appreciation for the free online visa service, saying it has made traveling much easier. “We are also keen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan,” they said.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), which manages the affairs of major historic gurdwaras under the patronage of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) of Pakistan, welcomed the move.

“This will encourage visits to holy places including Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. The plan aims to welcome up to one million Sikh pilgrims per year, demonstrating strong support for the community,” the gurdwara body wrote in an article on X.

It is pertinent that the announcement is made 15 days before Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary of Guru Nanak), which is celebrated on a large scale at Gurdwara Janam Asthan and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Pilgrims from various countries including India, USA, UK and Canada arrive at the holy place to witness the celebration.

Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder of the Sikh religion Guru Nanak, and the final resting place Kartarpur Sahib are located in Pakistan, alongside many other historic gurdwaras like Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda and Sikh heritage sites. linked to the Sikh kingdom led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

In a major change in visa policy, Pakistan has completely waived visa fees for 124 countries from August 14 this year to boost tourism and investments.