NEW DELHI: In keeping with the hectic pace of religious tourism ahead of the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak, Pakistan will provide additional visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims, above the 3,000 limit allowed under the bilateral protocol, for their visit to Gurdwaras in Pakistan from November 5 to 14.

Pakistan will also issue tourist visas to non-Indian Sikhs visiting the Kartarpur corridor and other ‘Gurdwaras’ in the country. India and Pakistan are expected to inaugurate the corridor in the second week of November.

On Monday, a religious procession (Nagar Kirtan) of Sikh devotees from India started its spiritual journey from New Delhi to the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. “The Nagar Kirtan is led by Sardar Paramjit Singh Sarna, former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and includes representatives from different sections of the Sikh community in India,” said the Pakistan high commission in a statement.

The Nagar Kirtan was seen off by several Indian dignitaries including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Acting high commissioner of Pakistan Syed Haider Shah also attended the send-off as a special guest.