ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (Alliance News): Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, extended a warm welcome to a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the United States on Thursday.
Hosted at the State Guest House, the delegation, led by Sikh leaders Dr. Dalvir Singh Pannu, Surjeet Singh Hothi, Ranjit Singh Kahlon, and Laxman Singh, was greeted by Naqvi with the traditional phrase, “Ji Aayan Nu.”
During the meeting, Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s new online visa application system, specifically tailored to facilitate Sikh travelers.
The system allows holders of American, Canadian, and UK passports to obtain visas online within 30 minutes, free of charge, and is accessible to Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these countries.
Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s historical importance to Sikhs, likening it to Saudi Arabia’s significance for Muslims.
He shared plans to open additional Sikh heritage sites and remove the requirement for special permits, aiming to raise annual Sikh visitor numbers from 50,000–100,000 to one million.
He also invited Sikh and international cricket fans to experience Pakistani sports, including the Champions Trophy.
The Sikh delegation expressed gratitude, commending the government’s free visa initiative and hinting at potential investments in Pakistan.
Industrialist Kashif Ashfaq and other officials were present to make the event memorable for the visiting Sikh delegation.
