89 Pakistani, 84 Indian pilgrims cross borders for spiritual journey

A group of Hindu pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for the birthday celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar in Sindh, while 89 Pakistani pilgrims crossed into India to attend the urs ceremonies of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif.

Both the Pakistani and Indian groups used the Wagah border to reach their respective destinations.

At least 800 Pakistanis had applied to attend the 813th urs of the Sufi saint; however, the Indian consulate in Islamabad issued week-long visas to only 102 applicants. Of these, 13 were unable to travel to India due to delays in visa issuance and severe cold weather.

Meanwhile, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary for Shrines Saifullah Khokar welcomed the Indian pilgrims to the Wagah with flowers. 

He stated that all necessary arrangements, including foolproof security and medical facilities, had been made to ensure a safe and comfortable visit.

During their stay, the pilgrims are scheduled to visit other religious sites such as Yog Mata Mandir in Aqilpur, Ghotki, Pano Aqil, Sukkur, and the historic Sadhu Bela Temple.

Moreover, the pilgrims will spend their last day in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak on January 14 and are set to return to India on January 15.