Hindu pilgrims’ departure through Shamjhota Express put off
By Tabinda al-Ghazala 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent

LAHORE: The 176 Hindu pilgrims who had come here for performing their religious rites at the Katas Raj Chakwal and scheduled for leaving through the Shamjhota Express has been put off, as they would now be sent through the Wagah route on February 21.

Pakistan Government Protocol Department and Evacuee Trust Property Board’s officials told a private TV Channel that 176 Hindu pilgrims had come to Lahore for participating in the birthday ceremonies of the Raj Bhagwan Shiv Maharaj at the Katas Raj Chakwal.

These guest Hindu pilgrims were allowed to stay in Pakistan until February 19 and their visas were valid up to February 21, while they were scheduled to return to India through the Shamjhota Express today.

However following the bomb blasts and raging fire in Shamjhota Express their departure was deferred and now they would be sent to India by road through the Wagah Border on February 21.●