Pilgrims from India and Pakistan who want to visit their respective religious sites on either side will find it easy if talks between India and Pakistan take place. Both India and Pakistan have shown interest in opening up more sites and modes of travel for pilgrims. While there is an existing protocol to facilitate pilgrims on both sides, there is a new proposal to expand the number of sites and modes of travel.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi pointed out that India had a positive approach and was ready to engage with Pakistan on the issue. “As you are aware, under the 1974 Protocol between India and Pakistan, visits to religious shrines are being facilitated regularly. There is an interest on both sides to expand the agreed list of shrines and mode of travel,” he said.
“It naturally needs to be discussed under the protocol. Let me underline India has a positive approach on this matter and is willing to engage with the Pakistani side. You are also aware restrictions are in place on movement and gathering in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation normalizes we expect that time can be utilized to hold a discussion.”
— Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Indian Ministry of External Affairs
Pakistan media reported that the Pakistan Hindu Council had proposed to fly 160 Pakistani Hindu pilgrims from Karachi to Jaipur and the trip had been postponed due to “non-clearance” from the Indian side. India has said that the expansion of the list of pilgrimage sites needed discussion and once the Covid restrictions were lifted then there can be talks on the issue under the 1974 protocol.
“It naturally needs to be discussed under the protocol. Let me underline India has a positive approach on this matter and is willing to engage with the Pakistani side. You are also aware restrictions are in place on movement and gathering in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation normalizes we expect that time can be utilized to hold a discussion,” Bagchi was quoted saying.
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