Pak to open a visa section in Amritsar

Islamabad, Nov 15: Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Ministry of Foreign Affairs would examine a proposal by Sikh pilgrims to open a visa section at Amritsar to facilitate their future travel.

"Opening a visa section in Amritsar to facilitate Sikh yatrees' visit to Pakistan will be examined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said, responding to a proposal sent to him by members of a delegation representing various Sikh organisations based in Pakistan, the US, UK, India, and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Gilani also issued immediate instructions for the acquisition of land for Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib, the re-formation and issuance of notification of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and building a road strip in Narowal District heading to Gurdwara Kartar Sahib on the Pak-India border.

He said all efforts were being made by his government to make Sikh yatrees feel at home during visits to their holy places in Pakistan, adding that the welfare and protection of the rights of minorities was part of Pakistan Peoples Party's manifesto and the government was determined to implement it.

Gilani told the delegation that the demands of the Sikh yatrees' that included the commencement of direct Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flights between Birmingham and Lahore and the issuance of double entry visas by Pakistan's diplomatic missions abroad had already been implemented.

Gilani said the government was paying special attention to preserving the religious and cultural heritage of Sikhs, and special allocations were being made for the renovation and maintenance of their sacred places in Pakistan, the Daily Times reported.

The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made by the Government of Pakistan.

ANI