Pakistan issues 3,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary

Sikh pilgrims arrive to take part in a religious ritual on the occasion of the 481st death anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur near the India-Pakistan border on September 22, 2020. (AFP/ File)
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Updated 14 November 2021
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Pakistan issues 3,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary

  • Every year, thousands of Sikhs travel to Pakistan to participate in celebrations
  • Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations will begin on Nov. 17

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued 3,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims to arrive for celebrations marking the 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, the information ministry said on Saturday.

Every year, thousands of Sikhs travel to Pakistan to participate in Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations. This year, they will begin on Nov. 17.

“Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued around 3000 visas to Indian Sikh Yatrees to participate in the 552nd Birth Anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak in Pakistan from 17-26 November 2021,” the ministry said.

During their stay in Pakistan, Sikh pilgrims would pay respect at different Gurdwaras, including Gurdwara Janamasthan and Gurdawara Darbar Sahib.

“The issuance of maximum number of pilgrimage visas is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s efforts for promoting visits to religious shrines in Pakistan,” the ministry’s statement read.

Much of the Sikh heritage is located in Pakistan, including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, which is also of particular importance to the Sikh community as it was built in tribute to Guru Nanak, who established the town of Kartarpur in 1515. It is also his final resting place.

The Pakistani government has in recent years taken several initiatives to facilitate Sikh pilgrims, including by opening in 2019 a visa-free passage, the Kartarpur corridor, connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib to the border with India and allowing Indian Sikhs to visit the site.

The opening of the corridor on Nov. 9, 2019 marked the first time Indian Sikh pilgrims could enter Pakistan without a visa since 1947.


Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
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Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.