The Indian authorities have granted visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif, falling significantly short of the 500 visas allowed under the designated quota.
According to Muhammad Umar Butt, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, India’s decision has prevented 400 potential pilgrims from making the journey this year. Despite the restrictions, 100 Pakistani pilgrims are set to depart for Ajmer Sharif on Sunday via the Wagah border.
“These pilgrims will take part in various religious ceremonies at the shrine of the esteemed Sufi saint, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, also known as Gharib Nawaz,” Butt stated.
In contrast, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims traveling to Pakistan to attend the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib. The event is being held at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh from January 5 to January 15.
Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich extended his best wishes to the Indian pilgrims, expressing hope for a rewarding and spiritually fulfilling journey. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining sacred religious sites and providing essential support to visiting pilgrims.
The issuance of visas falls under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, established in 1974.
Notably, 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 in Pakistan.