Pakistan grants over 6,700 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi Festival

The Punjab Home Department has issued security protocols to ensure the safety of Sikh pilgrims attending the Baisakhi Festival, which will be celebrated from April 10 to 19.

Around 30,000 Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including 6,700 from India, are going to participate in the festival in Pakistan.

According to the Evacuee Trust Property Board, 3,751 special visas will be issued to Indian pilgrims this year, an increase from the usual 3,000. These additional visas are granted to accommodate more pilgrims.

On April 14, pilgrims will attend the main ceremony 'Bhog Akhand Path Sahib' to celebrate Khalsa Janam Din at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassanadbal.

Ahead of the event, the department has directed that comprehensive security measures be implemented at all Gurdwaras and lodging facilities. This includes the installation of walkthrough gates and CCTV cameras at Gurdwaras, as well as setting up three-tier security coverage at sensitive locations. Searchlights are also to be installed for enhanced surveillance.

During the pilgrimage, police and Rangers will work together to ensure the safety of pilgrims as they travel between sites. Power supply companies have been instructed to provide uninterrupted electricity to the Gurdwaras, and all encroachments around these sites will be removed immediately.

Intelligence committees at the division and district levels will hold meetings to finalize security arrangements. Additionally, combing operations will be carried out in the relevant areas before the festival's commencement. The Special Branch and other relevant agencies will monitor Gurdwaras and lodging facilities.

Pilgrims are not permitted to move outside the designated areas or residential zones. Police and district administration control rooms will be linked to a central control room, with additional control rooms set up in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Narowal.

District Commissioners (DCs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) are required to ensure full implementation of the security plans. Customs and immigration authorities will set up counters to expedite clearance, while Railway Police will ensure the safety of pilgrims aboard trains and at railway stations.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee will work together to ensure coordination during the festival. All relevant agencies are expected to fully comply with the security SOPs established for the event.