In a notable development making headlines this week, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has invited applications from Pakistani pilgrims who wish to attend the annual Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Amir Khusro in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims will be able to submit their applications to the Ministry of Religious Affairs till September 25.

Context and History

What is happening now can be traced back to a series of decisions and events that preceded it.

Hazrat Amir Khusro's annual Urs is probable to be hosted in New Delhi from March 22 to 29, 2027.

The final date of Urs will be unveiled after confirmation from Pakistan High Commission New Delhi.

Reactions and Responses

Those following the situation closely say this marks a meaningful shift.

In case the number of applications exceeds the quota, the visitors will be selected through a lottery, which will be carried out on October 23 in Islamabad.

Compounding the significance of these events, it should be noted that due to the strained relations between Pakistan and India, the religious tourism between the two countries has also been affected, that said, the series of visits to religious places has not wrapped up completely.

Policy Implications

Beyond the immediate headlines, this development could reshape how the issue is handled.

In April last year, 178 Pakistani pilgrims attended Hazrat Amir Khusro's Urs in New Delhi, while the flow of Pakistani pilgrims to India persisted in 2026.

Against this backdrop, on the other hand, about 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India will come to Pakistan in November this year to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak.

Of particular significance is the fact that a sizable number of Indian Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan every year to visit important holy places of Sikhism in Pakistan.

The Road Ahead

For now, the situation continues to evolve, with no definitive resolution in sight. Those closely following the issue are preparing for further developments in what has become a significant and consequential story.