Majority still awaiting clearance from Delhi
PANAJI
In a disheartening turn of events for the Pakistani Goan community, only three leaders from the group will be able to embark on the much-anticipated pilgrimage to Old Goa for the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.
The remaining 170 pilgrims, who had fervently hoped to attend this spiritually significant event, are left awaiting clearance from Delhi, their dreams now overshadowed by uncertainty.
Peter Mendes and two other leaders are the only members confirmed to travel, departing Pakistan on December 3 and arriving in Goa the following day.
Meanwhile, other devoted pilgrims who had meticulously planned their journey in two batches, remain stranded in a frustrating bureaucratic limbo.
The first group of 85 pilgrims was scheduled to leave in late November, while the second group planned to follow in mid-December. However, unforeseen obstacles have derailed these arrangements, dampening the collective spirit of a community that had pinned its hopes on this pilgrimage.
Peter Mendes, President of the Goenkars Own Academy and the primary organiser of the trip, expressed his disappointment.
“While 41 visas were issued to senior citizens and children under 12, they cannot travel alone without family members. This partial clearance offers no real solution and has left families heartbroken. The lack of timely action by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has dealt a severe blow to our community’s aspirations.”
He further explained the ripple effect of the delay.
“We were assured by the High Commission of India in Islamabad that clearance was imminent. Based on these assurances, we encouraged our community to prepare. Many even booked tickets in anticipation. However, our pilgrims could not depart on November 28 as planned, leaving us with shattered hopes and significant financial loss.”
This development has left the Pakistani Goan community grappling with immense disappointment as they await clarity and action from the Indian authorities to salvage what remains of their pilgrimage plans.
