ISLAMABAD. : In an unexpected development, Indian embassy in Islamabad has refused to issue visas to Pakistanis who intended to attend annual Urs of Ajmair Sharif in India.
Thousands of Pakistanis attend annual Urs at Ajmair Sharif every year as the event plays an important role in creating religious harmony among followers of different faiths. Ajmair Sharif is a sacred place for the Muslims and hundred of thousands travel from all over the world to India to join annual Urs of Ajmair Sharif. The Saint of Ajmair Sharif had loved the people of all religions including Hindus, Sikhs and Christians and his message of love allured millions of people to convert to Islam. Even today, the people of different religions visit shrine of Ajmair Sharif. This number multiplies during Urs days.
The annual Urs of Ajmair Sharif begins from February 3 and continues till February 14 every year.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, minister for Religious Affairs, Peer Noorul Haq. Qadri, condemned Indian government act of denying visas to Pakistanis who intended to participate in Urs of Ajmair Sharif . The minister said Indian embassy in Islamabad had hinted at issuing visas to Pakistanis for attending Urs of Ajmair Sharif, but refused to entertain applications at eleventh hour. According to Mr Qadri, Indian embassy in Islamabad used COVID -19 as a tool to refuse visas to Pakistanis to travel to Ajmair Sharif and attend annual Urs of the Saint.
Peer Moor UL Haq Qadri added that the government of Pakistan will take up the matter with Indian government through proper channel.
Pakistan has been promoting religious harmony between the two countries and issuing visas to Hindu and Sikh community to attend their religious festivities in Pakistan . The minister said Indian Embassy’s denial to issue visas to Pakistanis who wanted to attend Urs of Ajmair Sharif gave anti harmony message to the people of Pakistan, besides hurting their religious sentiments.
