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Pakistan to lift curbs on Sikh pilgrims

In a major policy change, Pakistan has decided to lift the restrictions on the number of Sikhs visiting gurdwaras in Pakistan.

"The curbs on numbers worked out under the Liaquat-Nehru Accord will go," Javid Nasar, chairman of the Evacuee Trust, which was authorized to permit 7,500 Sikhs annually to visit gurdwaras in Pakistan, told a reception of visiting Indian Sikhs in Lahore on Sunday.

Nasar, however, did not indicate from when the decision would be effective. The Dawn quoted Nasar as saying "the needful" would be done soon, allowing the Sikh community to visit its holy places in West Punjab as and when they desire, round the year.

He said efforts were being made by the government to improve the condition of gurdwaras in Pakistan and the provision of facilities for pilgrims. The Pakistani government has also decided to give Sikh pilgrims concessions in air and rail fares and to arrange air-conditioned buses for them.

A large number of Sikhs from India and all over the world visit the birthplace of Guru Nanak in Hasan Abdal to celebrate the Baisakhi festival. The pilgrims also visit a number of gurdwaras located in and around Lahore.

PTI

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