Pakistan Open to Granting Visa to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for Lahore Visit

Pakistan has indicated that it would consider granting a visa to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann if he applies to attend the World Punjabi Conference scheduled to be held in Lahore on November 27.
 

During his weekly press briefing on Friday, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the Pakistani government would take a positive approach towards a visa application from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.
 

However, he clarified that permission from the Indian government for Mann's proposed visit to Pakistan would be a separate matter.
 

On October 23, Bhagwant Mann had revealed that he had received an invitation to participate in the World Punjabi Conference in Lahore on November 27. Speaking about the proposed visit, the Chief Minister highlighted the cultural ties shared by people on both sides of the border.
 

"Our culture is one. Several renowned poets and literary figures from Punjab will also participate in the conference," Mann had said. At the same time, he expressed uncertainty over whether the Centre would allow him to travel to Pakistan.
 

The Chief Minister also expressed his desire to visit the historic Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur along with all members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly if the Kartarpur Corridor is reopened.
 

The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak in India with the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, associated with Guru Nanak Dev. It provides a special visa-free travel arrangement for pilgrims.
 

However, the corridor has remained closed from the Indian side since May 7, 2025, following India's action after the Pahalgam terror attack.
 

During the press briefing, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said his country was ready to welcome pilgrims once the restrictions were lifted. He maintained that Pakistan welcomed devotees of all religions and claimed that more than 9,000 Indian pilgrims had been issued visas during 2025.
 

He also said Pakistan was looking forward to welcoming a large number of Sikh devotees to Nankana Sahib for the 557th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
 

The spokesperson further reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the 1974 agreement between India and Pakistan concerning visits to religious shrines in both countries.
 

The proposed Lahore visit by Bhagwant Mann will therefore depend not only on Pakistan's response to his visa application but also on the approval of the Indian government.