Even though there is still uncertainty about travel through the Attari-Wagah border due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has started preparations to send a group of Sikh pilgrims (jatha) to Pakistan in November.
These pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to celebrate his birth anniversary (Parkash Gurpurb). SGPC officials said the visa process has begun and Sikh devotees who want to join the jatha must submit their passports and ID proof by August 4. They also need a recommendation letter from their area SGPC member.
Due to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Government had stopped all kinds of travel to Pakistan through the land border, including the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. In return, Pakistan canceled all visas for Indians but made an exception for Sikh religious travelers.
It’s important to note that earlier this year, no jatha was allowed to go to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh or the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev.
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