No more visa fee: Pakistan announces free online visa for Sikh pilgrims from US, UK and Canada
PTC News Desk: Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced Visa upon arrival for Sikh pilgrims from US, UK and Canada. He said that Sikh pilgrims from the US, UK and Canada will receive free online visas within 30 minutes upon arrival in the country to pay respect to their religious sites.
The decision comes after a meeting with 44 member Sikh delegation in Lahore. During the meeting Naqvi addressed the issues faced by Sikh pilgrims during their visit to the Pakistan. He further added that government has made the visa process easier for Sikhs by making it completely online and that holders of American, Canadian, and UK passports can apply online and receive their visas within 30 minutes without any fees.
With an objective to boost tourism and attract tourists, Pakistan government has waived off the visa fee exempting the Sikh pilgrims from the payment. The service is also applicable to Indian origin Sikhs residing in these countries. However it is not applicable for Sikh pilgrims from India.
He encouraged Sikhs pilgrims to visit Pakistan, saying, “You can come to Pakistan 10 times a year, and we will welcome you every time.” Naqvi said that just as Saudi Arabia is sacred for Muslims, Pakistan is sacred for the Sikh community. He also said that several Sikh heritage sites are open for Sikh pilgrims and no permit will be required in this regard.
Naqvi expressed his desire to increase the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from 1 lakh to 1 million annually with particular emphasis on attracting younger generations.
- PTC NEWS
