Last Updated:
The initiative is being viewed as part of Islamabad’s broader efforts to strengthen its outreach to Sikh groups and allegedly encourage pro-Khalistan elements
Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Baku and Colombo are among the possible transit destinations being considered, according to the source. (AI generated image for representation)
Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is reportedly working on a special visa and travel facilitation mechanism for selected Indian Sikhs, with arrangements that could allow them to enter and exit Pakistan without conventional immigration stamps on their passports. The initiative is being viewed as part of Islamabad’s broader efforts to strengthen its outreach to Sikh groups and allegedly encourage pro-Khalistan elements, according to a top security source.
The proposed arrangement includes special e-visas, smart-gate immigration facilities, dedicated green channels and digital entry-exit records instead of physical passport stamping. The security source claimed that the ISI had already completed a pilot project for the proposed system, which would be extended only to a limited and carefully selected group of Indian Sikh individuals.
Under the reported mechanism, selected visitors would be encouraged to travel to Pakistan through third countries rather than flying directly from India. Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Baku and Colombo are among the possible transit destinations being considered, according to the source.
Once they arrive in Pakistan, these visitors would reportedly be processed through designated smart gates or green channels. Their entry and exit would be recorded digitally, without any physical immigration stamps appearing on their passports. The arrangements would be managed through state protocol channels, allowing selected visitors to travel without conventional passport markings that could reveal their visit to Pakistan.
The security source claimed that the facility was similar to special immigration arrangements Pakistan has extended to members of royal families in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, besides senior intelligence officials, top defence personnel and key diplomats.
According to the Pakistani security source, the objective behind facilitating travel for selected Sikh visitors is not limited to religious tourism. The source claimed that Pakistan wants to encourage hardcore Khalsa fighters and anti-India Sikh elements, including individuals supportive of the Khalistan movement.
The proposed arrangements are also being viewed against the backdrop of alleged outreach by Pakistani intelligence agencies to Sikh groups based in countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. The source claimed that Pakistan has been extending exclusive invitations and hospitality to members of the Sikh community from different parts of the world to visit religious sites across the country.
The reported plan comes at a time when the Kartarpur Corridor remains suspended for cross-border pilgrims travelling from the Indian side. While Pakistan officially reopened its side of the corridor in September 2026, India has kept its border terminal suspended since May 2025 amid continuing security concerns.
With the corridor unavailable to Indian pilgrims, Pakistan is reportedly looking at alternative routes and special visa arrangements to facilitate Sikh visitors.
According to the security source, Pakistan issued 4,002 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims during the first half of 2026. Islamabad is also preparing to issue more visas and welcome additional pilgrims later in November to mark the 557th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib.
The proposed stamp-free entry arrangement, however, is not being considered a blanket relaxation for all Indian Sikh visitors. It is reportedly intended for a select group identified through the proposed ISI-led initiative, with access managed through special state protocol arrangements.
If implemented, the mechanism would allow selected visitors to enter Pakistan through third-country routes, use dedicated immigration facilities and have their movements recorded digitally rather than through conventional passport stamps.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is reportedly developing a special travel and visa facilitation mechanism that allows selected Indian Sikhs to enter and exit Pakistan without conventional passport stamps, using digital entry records, e-visas, and smart-gate facilities instead.
Ask News18About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
November 13, 2026, 2:33 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
