Nankana Sahib,Zubair kasuri,A delegation of 134 Sikh pilgrims from the Punjabi Society of America, led by Sardar Gary Saka, visited the Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. The pilgrims expressed their gratitude for Pakistan’s new visa policy, which allows for easy and free online visa processing.
Upon arrival at the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by local Sikh leaders and Rai Bilal Akram Bhatti, a descendant of Rai Bular Bhatti, a close Muslim companion of Guru Nanak. The pilgrims were visibly moved to be at the birthplace of their spiritual leader and performed religious rituals, including matha tekna (touching their foreheads to the ground) and ardas (prayer).
The pilgrims thanked the Pakistani government for the excellent arrangements and hospitality provided during their visit. They described their experience in Pakistan as “overwhelmingly joyful” and praised the new visa policy as a “gift” that will make it easier for Sikhs to visit their holy sites in Pakistan.
The delegation also commended the Ministry of Interior for improving the visa policy, which now allows for the swift issuance of e-visas to all visitors. They believe this will not only boost tourism in Pakistan but also promote religious tourism.
The new visa policy, which was implemented earlier this year, is part of Pakistan’s efforts to promote religious tourism and strengthen ties with the Sikh community worldwide.
