LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Sikhs from the US, Canada and Britain will receive free online visas within 30 minutes upon arrival in Pakistan.

“You’re welcome to visit Pakistan up to 10 times a year. Each time, we will welcome you here. Applicants only need to fill out a form to receive a visa in 30 minutes,” he said during a meeting with a delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the United States on Thursday.

Apart from Hasan Abdal, Kartarpur, Nankana Sahib and Lahore, the minister expressed willingness to open other Sikh sites in Pakistan, and said that no permit would be required for visiting them.

The interior minister said the government wished that more and more pilgrims, including young Sikhs, should visit Pakistan.

Mr Naqvi said that Pakistan had waived visa requirements for citizens of 124 countries, encouraging visitors to come for events such as the Champions Trophy, Pakistani cricket matches, and even India-Pakistan matches, with a special quota reserved for these occasions.

The visiting Sikhs expressed their appreciation for the free online visa facility, stating that it has made travel much easier. “We are also interested in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan,” they said. The delegation included Dr Dalvir Singh Pannu, Sarjeet Singh Hothi, Ranjeet Singh Kahloon and Lakhman Singh.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024