Welcoming the move, North American Punjabi Association’s (NAPA) executive director Satnam Singh Chahal urged the Pakistani and the Indian governments to reopen the Wagah border to facilitate cross-border trade.
Naqvi’s remarks came as he met with a 44-member foreign delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore on Thursday. The minister warmly welcomed the Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan. He acknowledged that the Sikh pilgrims faced difficulties while visiting Pakistan in the past, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.
Naqvi announced that the government had made the visa process easier for Sikhs by making it online. He added that holders of American, Canadian and UK passports could apply online and receive their visas within 30 minutes without any fees.
He noted that this facility extended also to Sikhs of Indian origin residing in these countries. He stated that providing more facilities to the Sikh community is his government’s priority.
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.
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.
The Sikh delegation thanked Naqvi for his hospitality and appreciated the ease of online visa processing, saying, “You have won our hearts”, the statement said.
Naqvi also mentioned that the Pakistan government had started the facility of free-of-cost visas for the citizens of 124 countries.
In a major change in visa policy aimed at attracting tourists and investment from across the world, Pakistan from August 14 completely waived the visa fee for the citizens of these countries.
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has voiced support for the Pakistani government’s new initiative to provide free online visas to Sikh pilgrims arriving from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. This program, which allows visa processing within 30 minutes of arrival, aims to simplify access for Sikhs wishing to visit their sacred sites in Pakistan.
NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal commented on the decision, emphasizing its importance in easing the travel process for Sikh pilgrims. “This initiative significantly reduces the barriers for Sikhs looking to connect with their heritage and visit important religious sites,” he stated.
Chahal's remarks came after Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the initiative during a meeting with a delegation of Sikh pilgrims in Lahore. This move is expected to encourage more members of the diaspora to visit Pakistan.
In addition to the visa policy, Chahal called for the reopening of the Wagah border to facilitate trade between India and Pakistan. He underscored the economic advantages of enhancing cross-border trade, noting that both countries could benefit from stronger economic ties.
"Reopening the Wagah border would enable the efficient movement of goods, allowing businesses to engage directly and reduce costs associated with longer shipping routes," Chahal explained. He added that improved trade could rejuvenate local industries and create job opportunities on both sides.
Chahal highlighted the diverse goods produced in both nations, including textiles, spices, and agricultural products, which have a strong demand across borders. “Greater access to each other’s markets can lead to a more balanced trade relationship that benefits both economies,” he said.
The call for increased trade and cooperation reflects a broader desire among community leaders to foster economic growth and stability in the region. Chahal concluded with a hopeful outlook, suggesting that renewed trade routes and stronger ties could positively impact millions in both countries.
As the Sikh community prepares to take advantage of the new visa policy, there is an expectation that both governments will recognize the potential benefits of enhanced trade and collaboration in the future.
