In a significant diplomatic gesture, Pakistan has granted over 2,100 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims, marking the first major easing of travel restrictions since tensions between the two nations escalated in May 2025. The visas were issued for a 10-day religious festival in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This move comes despite ongoing hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors, which saw deadly clashes earlier this year, resulting in over 70 casualties and the closure of the Attari-Wagah land border to general traffic. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi confirmed the issuance of visas, emphasizing the importance of facilitating religious tourism. The festival, set to begin on Tuesday, is expected to draw tens of thousands of Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan. The Attari-Wagah border, a colonial-era creation that divides Punjab between India and Pakistan, remains a symbolic site of both conflict and cultural exchange, hosting daily flag ceremonies that attract visitors. While New Delhi has yet to officially comment, Indian media reports suggest that the government has permitted select groups to travel for the event. This development highlights the complex interplay between religion, diplomacy, and regional tensions in South Asia.