The Pakistan High Commission announced on Wednesday that it has issued 84 visas to Indian pilgrims for a visit to the Shree Katas Raj temples in Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The pilgrimage, scheduled from December 19 to 25, will allow Hindu pilgrims to visit this sacred complex of temples, also known as Qila Katas. The temples are a significant religious site for Hindus and are linked by walkways.

These visits are part of the long-standing Pakistan-India bilateral protocol on religious shrines, which has allowed Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India to visit religious sites in Pakistan each year. Similarly, Pakistani pilgrims also visit India annually under this agreement. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi confirmed the issuance of the visas and extended best wishes for the pilgrims' spiritual journey.

This initiative is in line with Pakistan's policy to facilitate religious pilgrimages and promote interfaith harmony, as emphasized in the statement from the High Commission. The 1974 Pakistan-India protocol on religious shrines continues to enable thousands of pilgrims from both countries to visit sacred sites and participate in religious festivals and occasions.