Pak, Chinese pilgrims arrive after Urs

Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, November 9

A delegation of 144 Pakistani pilgrims, led by Mohammad Hasnain Farooq, arrived here on Friday to pay homage to Roza Sharif on the annual Urs, whereas the three-day Urs had already concluded on Wednesday.

A group of 24 pilgrims from China also reached Roza Sharif on Friday.

Talking to The Tribune, Farooq expressed resentment over the unduly delay in granting of visa by the Indian High Commissioner though they applied for it four months back. As a consequence, they reached Roza Sharif after the conclusion of annual Urs. He said, “It is like the baraat reaching the venue after the solemnisation of marriage.”

He said they have informed the Pakistan Government about it. He said the Pakistan Government never harassed the Indian pilgrims while granting visa. They demanded that visa should be issued one week before the commencement of annual Urs and visa norms should be relaxed so that pilgrims from both the countries could easily visit their religious places.

He said they were feeling like at home and saw no difference between India and Pakistan. They appreciated the hospitality and arrangements here.