India has granted visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for this year’s Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif. This number is far below the 500 visas allowed under the agreed quota between the two countries. As a result, 400 Pakistani pilgrims will miss the opportunity to participate in the sacred annual event.
Muhammad Umar Butt, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, expressed concern over the restriction. He stated that despite these limitations, 100 pilgrims will still travel to Ajmer Sharif through the Wagah border on Sunday. These devotees will take part in various ceremonies honoring the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who is affectionately called Gharib Nawaz.
On the other hand, Pakistan has issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims attending the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib. This event is being held at Shadani Darbar in Sindh from January 5 to January 15. Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich shared his best wishes for the visiting Indian pilgrims, expressing hope for their spiritual journey to be fulfilling. He also highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to preserving sacred sites and ensuring all necessary support for pilgrims.
These religious visits are carried out under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, which was signed in 1974. This agreement facilitates visits to various religious shrines in both countries.
It is worth noting that Pakistan has consistently provided access to Indian pilgrims for significant events. In November, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued over 3,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday.
The ongoing restrictions and discrepancies in visa issuance highlight the need for both nations to ensure equal opportunities for pilgrims, fostering better relations and promoting mutual respect for religious practices.
