Covid shadow on pilgrims’ visit to Pakistan

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 16

Amid the Covid-19 threat, uncertainty looms over Indian devotees’ proposed visit to Pakistan to attend the 551st birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak.

Pakistan had extended invitation to Indian Sikhs to grace the three-day celebrations scheduled at Janam Asthan, Sri Nankana Sahib, beginning November 27. The occasion falls on November 30. However, it will be the discretion of the Indian government to grant the permission.

Around 1,500 applications were received by different organisations, of which 500 applications were endorsed by the SGPC to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for furnishing of visa formalities.

SGPC spokesperson Kulwinder Singh said ‘absolutely’ no communication was received from the MEA. “The chances that the ‘jatha’

will be allowed to visit Pakistan are bleak,” he said.

Yet, Ferozepur-based International Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society head Harpal Singh Bhullar seemed hopeful. “We have not received the official nod from the MEA yet, but a few days back, we were approached by agency officials enquiring about the antecedents of the applicants. This indicated that the process was on to grant permission,” he said.