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2,238 Sikh Pilgrims Return to India After 10-Day Baisakhi Visit to Pakistan

The cross-border visit showcased religious access with a soft-diplomacy tone.

Overview

  • The group, which crossed back Sunday via the Attari-Wagah border, was received by Border Security Force staff who guided expedited immigration and customs checks.
  • Pakistan’s facilitation included extra immigration counters, medical camps and currency exchange on departure, with Punjab minister Ramesh Singh Arora and ETPB chief Qamar-uz-Zaman seeing the buses off.
  • Over the 10 days, pilgrims performed rites at Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib and Dera Sahib in Lahore and offered prayers for peace.
  • Pakistan issued about 2,800 visas for the festival period, yet roughly 600 applicants did not travel, highlighting demand that outstripped attendance.
  • Cultural outreach included a Hazuri Bagh night, a Dayal Singh Trust Library ceremony and a kabaddi match at Kartarpur, in what Indian reports noted was only the second such jatha since May 2025 and the largest under current travel curbs.