Pakistan says willing to issue visa to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for visit

The World Punjabi Conference is an annual event that brings together scholars, artists and community leaders from across the Punjabi-speaking world. It aims to celebrate the shared heritage of the region, which spans the border between India and Pakistan. Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab in India, expressed interest in attending the conference after receiving an invitation from organizers in Lahore. His public statement in late October raised questions about whether diplomatic channels would allow him to travel to Pakistan for the event.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry responded by stating that it is prepared to issue a visa to the Indian chief minister, provided that standard procedural requirements are met. The offer comes at a time when bilateral relations between the two neighbours remain strained over a range of issues, yet cultural exchanges have continued to serve as a bridge between communities on both sides of the border. The willingness to grant a visa reflects a desire to keep cultural dialogue open, even as political negotiations face challenges.

For readers in India, the potential visit carries significance beyond the conference itself. It underscores the importance of cross‑border cultural ties for the Punjabi population, many of whom have family and linguistic connections in both countries. A successful visit could set a precedent for future cultural delegations and may influence public opinion on the broader relationship between India and Pakistan, especially in the context of trade, travel and people‑to‑people contact.