Pakistan Offers Free Visa to Canada, US, UK Passport Holders

Pakistan’s Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) recently announced that it will offer free visas to Sikh pilgrims, but only to those who hold passports from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This policy means Sikh pilgrims from India, who represent a large part of the global Sikh community, will not benefit from the visa waiver. Many Indian Sikhs had hoped for easier access to religious sites in Pakistan, making this decision a notable exclusion.

This policy may reflect Pakistan’s focus on strengthening relations with Western countries that have sizable Sikh communities. By offering free visas to Sikhs from Canada, the US, and the UK, Pakistan aims to encourage religious tourism and highlight its openness toward the Sikh diaspora in these regions. The gesture is likely intended to enhance Pakistan's image abroad and support Sikhs visiting historic sites like Kartarpur Sahib.

For Indian Sikhs, however, this move is a setback. The Kartarpur Corridor—a separate initiative allowing visa-free travel to one key site in Pakistan—offered hope for more accessible religious journeys. But under the new rule, Indian Sikhs will still need to pay for visas to visit other religious sites in Pakistan, creating both practical and emotional barriers to travel.

Overall, this decision highlights the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which continue to impact the lives of everyday citizens. Observers note that extending the free-visa policy to Indian Sikhs would be a meaningful step toward cultural understanding. A more inclusive approach could strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations, benefiting both religious tourism and diplomatic relations.