Islamabad: Indian government declined to issue visas to 239 Pakistani pilgrims out of 488 applicants who intend to visit Ajmer Sharif to attend annual urs of revered Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti Gharib Nawaz. According to Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony’s spokesperson, more than 200 Pakistani pilgrims remained deprived to pay homage to Sufi saint.

He added that Indian authorities had also declined visas for five officials deputed to take care of pilgrims during their stay in India. He, however, said that only one out of six officials was allowed to go with pilgrims.

All pilgrims have been conveyed through Short Service Message to reach Lahore from where they would embark on journey to India on Tuesday, he added. Last year, Indian Embassy also declined to issue visas to Pakistani pilgrims for attending annual urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti.

In statement, Religious Minister expressed dismay over non-issuance of visas to religious tourists. He said Indian Embassy had asked Ministry to complete all arrangements for departure of pilgrims for urs following all standard operating procedures issued by it.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 23 2023

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