India issues visas to only 100 Pakistani pilgrims for Ajmer Sharif Urs

NEW DHELI: In a recent development, the Indian authorities have issued only 100 visas to Pakistani pilgrims for the annual Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Sharif, which is considerably low compared to the allotted quota of 500.

As a result, 400 pilgrims will not perceive visa denials and would not travel to the shrine of this revered Sufi saint. However, the 100 visa holders have been granted permission to leave for Ajmer Sharif on Sunday via the Wagah border.

According to Muhammad Umar Butt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Indian authorities disappointed him for its limitation of the number of visas for its incoming Pakistani pilgrim.

Butt confirmed that pilgrims who got their visas would attend various rituals at the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, popularly known as Gharib Nawaz. Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is a very significant event in Islamic history, with this shrine being a place of veneration by millions of Muslims worldwide.

As a reciprocal gesture, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 94 visas to Indian pilgrims to travel to Pakistan to attend the 316th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shiv Avtari Stguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Shadani Darbar in Hayat Pitafi, Sindh during January 5 to 15.

Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich wished the pilgrims all the best and hoped their journey would be enriching and rewarding. This move shows Pakistan’s commitment to the protection of sacred places and facilitating visiting pilgrims.