ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, November 27, 2016 (Navhind Times): About 200 Hindu pilgrims in India canceled their trip to Pakistan as they were not allowed to undertake the journey due to ongoing tension between the two countries, an official said today. The pilgrims were issued visas by Pakistan High Commission for the trip to holy Katas Raj Shiva temple in Chakwal district near capital Islamabad. They were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on November 28 on a three-day pilgrimage to Katas temple complex, considered one the most holy sites for Hindus, said Siddique ul Farooq, chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
“Their scheduled visit has been canceled,” Farooq told Dawn newspaper. “We had issued visas to the pilgrims but their government did not allow them to visit Pakistan,” he said, adding that that comprehensive security arrangements had been made for the Indian pilgrims. Farooq cited the border tension as the reason behind the cancellation of the visit. However, the Indian ministry sources said they did not tell the pilgrims to cancel their trip and the call may have been taken by the organisers. Hindu pilgrims visit Katas Raj twice a year in February and November.