Pakistan issues 737 visas to Indian pilgrims for Guru Arjan Dev Ji Martyrdom Day events
New Delhi, June 8
Pakistan on Monday issued 737 visas to Indian pilgrims to enable their participation in events marking the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from June 10 to June 19.
The announcement was made by the Pakistan High Commission in India in a post on X.
"The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 737 visas to pilgrims from India to participate in the annual festival scheduled on the eve of Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjun Dev Ji to be held in Pakistan from 10-19 June 2026," the mission said.
The pilgrimage is part of the religious visits undertaken by Sikh devotees to various gurdwaras in Pakistan associated with Sikh history and heritage.
The issuance of visas is in line with the Government of Pakistan's commitment to fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.
Every year, a large number of Indian pilgrims visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions.
In 2024, Pakistan issued 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to facilitate their participation in the annual festival marking the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
According to Sikh historical accounts, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, attained martyrdom on June 16, 1606, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
The Guru is believed to have faced severe persecution after refusing to abandon the teachings and spiritual path established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Historical narratives state that he was subjected to intense torture before being taken to a river, where he disappeared from public view.
Sikhs across the world observe June 16 each year as Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who is revered as the first martyr in Sikh history. His sacrifice is regarded as a defining moment in the evolution of Sikhism.
Sikh tradition holds that prior to Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom, the faith primarily emphasised devotion, compassion, service, hard work, and peaceful coexistence. The teachings of the Sikh Gurus focused on belief in one God, humanitarian values, and harmony among communities. Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom is widely remembered as a pivotal event that shaped the future course of the Sikh community.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartwarming to see that despite the political tensions, religious ties remain strong. I'm a Hindu but I truly respect the Sikh faith and Guru Arjan Dev Ji's story. The martyrdom is an integral part of our national heritage. Wish all the pilgrims a blessed visit 🙏
Every time I read about Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom, I feel a deep sense of pride in our Sikh brothers and sisters. But let's not pretend Pakistan does this out of goodwill—they do it for their international image. Still, any step that allows our people to pray is welcome. Just hope the visa process becomes smoother in future.
Wow, 737 people! That's a big group. I hope the Pakistan government ensures proper security for our pilgrims. Guru sahib's teachings of peace and unity are needed more than ever. May Waheguru bless them all 🙏
It's refreshing to see cross-border religious cooperation amidst so much political noise. The bilateral protocol seems to be working as intended. I hope this sets a positive precedent for other aspects of India-Pakistan relations. Respect to the Sikh community for keeping these traditions alive.
I've always been fascinated by Guru Arjan Dev Ji's story—how he chose torture over abandoning his faith. It's a lesson for all of us. But I also feel sad that our pilgrims need visas to visit their own historical gurdwaras. Why can't these sacred sites be more accessible? Anyway, I wish the pilgrims a meaningful journey 🇮🇳
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.