The Federal Minister for Inside of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, famous that this facility extends additionally to Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these international locations. File
| Photograph Credit score: AP

Pakistan’s Inside Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that Sikh pilgrims from america, United Kingdom and Canada will obtain free on-line visas inside half-hour upon arrival within the nation to pay respect to their non secular websites.

Mr. Naqvi’s remarks got here as he met with a 44-member overseas delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on Thursday (October 31, 2024).

The Minister warmly welcomed the Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan. He acknowledged that the Sikh pilgrims confronted difficulties whereas visiting Pakistan up to now, based on a press release by the Ministry of Inside.

Additionally Learn: Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors

Mr. Naqvi introduced that the Authorities has made the visa course of simpler for Sikhs by making it on-line. He added that holders of American, Canadian, and UK passports can apply on-line and obtain their visas inside half-hour with none charges.

He famous that this facility extends additionally to Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these international locations. He said that offering extra services to the Sikh group is his authorities’s precedence.

He inspired Sikh pilgrims to go to Pakistan, saying, “You possibly can come to Pakistan 10 occasions a 12 months, and we’ll welcome you each time.”

Mr. Naqvi stated that simply as Saudi Arabia is sacred for Muslims, Pakistan is sacred for the Sikh group. He introduced that a number of Sikh heritage websites in Pakistan will likely be opened for visits, and no allow will likely be required on this regard.

Mr. Naqvi expressed his want to extend the variety of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from 1 lakh to 1 million yearly, with specific emphasis on attracting youthful generations.

Additionally Learn: India grants long-term visas to 145 Pakistanis in September

The Sikh delegation thanked Mr. Naqvi for his hospitality and appreciated the benefit of on-line visa processing, saying, “You’ve got gained our hearts”, the assertion stated.

Mr. Naqvi additionally talked about that the Pakistan Authorities has began the ability of free-of-cost visas for the residents of 124 international locations.

In a significant change in visa coverage aimed toward attracting vacationers and funding from internationally, Pakistan on August 14 fully waived the visa payment for the residents of those international locations.