–Authorities told to expedite issuance of visas to 3,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims; schedule approvedLAHORE: Despite ongoing tensions with India after Pulwama incident, Pakistan has approved the schedule of “Baisakhi Mela” apart from ordering the issuance of visas to 3,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims. Pakistan Today has learnt that Prime Minister Imran Khan has given the directions to Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) that despite the political and border tensions between Pakistan and India, the arrangements for Baisakhi Mela should be up to the mark and pilgrims be welcomed with hospitality. The Board has started the groundwork for free food distribution, accommodation, medical and travel facilities for the Sikh pilgrims, sources disclosed. Talking to Pakistan Today, ETPB Secretary Tariq Wazir Khan said, “Baisakhi Mela is a religious festival in Sikhism. Wazir further said that the Sikh pilgrims will leave for Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, on April 15.

Source: Pakistan Today February 25, 2019 15:11 UTC