NEW DELHI In a significant development, visa requirements for Sikh pilgrims aged 65 and above have been eased to allow family visas at the request of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD-Badal), announced Delhi party chief and former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) former Paramjit Singh Sarna on Friday. 

This announcement follows a meeting he held with top diplomats at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Sarna also discussed the visa-on-arrival facility for Sikh pilgrims traveling to Sri Nankana Sahib from India.

“As a precursor to our request for visas on arrival, the Pakistani government has eased visa restrictions for pilgrim families led by senior citizens,” Sarna said, adding, “This is joyous news for our community. Elderly individuals over 65 can now submit their documents at the Pakistan High Commission at any time and visit historic gurdwaras with their families. Previously, such visits were limited to four times a year with organized groups. This change will greatly benefit our elderly Sikhs.”

He encouraged those eligible to submit their passports to the Shiromani Akali Dal’s Delhi unit office at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib for full assistance with their travel plans.

The SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal’s Delhi office will serve as the platforms to avail the family visa facility from the Pakistan High Commission.

“Our roots are deeply connected to West Punjab, and this initiative allows us to strengthen those ties and appreciate our rich heritage,” Sarna added. “We express our gratitude to the Pakistani government for this progressive step.”

This move marks a significant step in facilitating religious pilgrimages and enhancing cross-border connections, he added.