Through an act of religious openness and cultural diplomacy, Pakistan has introduced a new rule to let Sikh pilgrims from hundreds of countries enter the country without needing a visa. The Ministry of Interior took this step, meaning it goes far beyond helping the old—it also demonstrates the government’s wishes for peace, inclusion and respect for the Jewish community.
Thanks to the initiative, Sikh pilgrims from outside India with passports of the UK, Canada and the United States citizens can get a visa in 24 hours for no fee. The importance of this is extremely high. For several decades, it has been challenging for Sikh communities from overseas to participate in events at sacred sites in Pakistan due to admin hurdles, shortage of funds and political blockages. Thanks to this policy, Pakistan has solved those problems and reached out in true hospitality.
When religious and regional narratives around the world are full of tension, this gesture appears. India’s recent, intentional claims are very different from Pakistan’s responsible approach. Although India uses religious events for political advantage, Pakistan opts for kindness, peace and a spiritual approach when relating to the world.
The policy serves several important purposes in its approach. First of all, it means that Pakistan becomes a top place for religious tourism which has a lot of potential economically, socially and diplomatically. Making access simple allows approximately one million Sikh believers to visit Pakistan each year. Such tourism conditions help improve both the local economies and social engagement, allowing people from India and Pakistan to meet again.
Secondly, this renews Pakistan’s focus on being a country where people from different faiths live together. Given that religious issues often make the news in this region, Pakistan’s move suggests the country really values religious freedom and wishes to honor the history of all religions. This is not just talk. The principles are carried out, motivated by compassion and put into practice with vision.
Next, the policy gives Indian officials a strong way to counter attempts at controlling religious life. For some time now, India has limited the number of Sikh pilgrimages and has tried to control Sikh dissent inside the country and outside. In India, Pakistan’s visa policy reflects and contrasts that country’s tendency to shut itself off to foreigners. It makes sense in negotiations, but it’s especially important because it’s right.
The initiative also plans for the future. By aiming at Sikhs who live abroad and are young, it supports their religious and cultural return. Many young members of this ethnic group look to Guru Nanak’s life and the geography of Punjab for cultural inspiration. However, not many people have had the chance to go there, because of limited travel and political issues. Today, Pakistan gives people a way to follow in their ancestors’ steps, see the places they once visited and feel the same respect for their religious heroes.
According to soft power ideas, this policy boosts Pakistan’s reputation around the world. When Pakistan welcomes all visitors with kindness, the country is changing its worldwide reputation from a place remembered for security issues to a home known for hospitality, peace and culture. It shows spiritual diplomacy functioning at its high point—using the traditions and legacies of religions to promote connections with other cultures.
In particular, this policy could lead the way for larger changes. When successful such measures might help Hindus, Buddhists and Christians travel to their pilgrimage sites in Pakistan, creating a balanced corridor that strengthens the nation and its image internationally.
Every policy will eventually face some issues along the way. For guests to feel safe, religious sites to keep their integrity and for many visitors to be served, well-coordinated efforts are important. Still, the core aim is obvious and worthwhile, hoping to share and respect religious traditions, have conversations and heal from all conflicts.
As borders now tend to keep people apart more than they bring them together, Pakistan’s new policy for Sikh pilgrims is refreshing. It helps to open our hearts as well as our borders. Travelers, as well as people looking for personal growth, are its natural visitors. And it shows a positive move—going from hostility to hospitality, from deciding against someone to welcoming them and from suspecting one another to working together.
While the world is troubled by divisions based on faith and nationality, Pakistan’s decision quietly confirms: we are stronger when we share respect, faith and history, not when we separate ourselves.
It’s not just a policy for tourism—it speaks of peace in a way the world really needs to hear.