Thus, Pakistan would be taking a major step forward in religious tourism, particularly with the 555th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder-Guru Nanak. The Pakistani government declared this, with an aim to advertise religious tourism and maintain wholesome relations with the Sikh community. These visas, issued by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi, would enable the pilgrim to visit all those gurudwaras which held immense significance for Sikhs, both religiously and historically, across Pakistan- Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur, among others, where Guru Nanak spent a long portion of his life.
This step is also symbolic as it has been taken at a time when the relations between India and Pakistan are very complicated. However, such gestures of diplomacy are seen important to strengthen bilateral relations and bring peace. It also brings to focus the role of religious tourism gaining in cultural diplomacy whereby Pakistan has been trying to improve accessibility for Sikh pilgrims to their holy sites.
In this connection, aside from the 3,000 visas distributed, the Pakistan government has shown willingness to expand these opportunities, in addition that Kartarpur has already been opened without visa for Sikh pilgrims, and it is considered one of the significant sacred sites of pilgrimage. This venture is evaluated to be under the broad policy of Pakistan in reinforcing the country’s image as a peaceful country in religious tourism, a bridge of understanding by various faith communities.
