ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith unity, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
Despite the restrictions, Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organized a symbolic reception at Lahore’s Wagah border on Sunday, emphasizing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony.
The main ceremony for the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will take place at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims worldwide, including those from India. Initially, Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9, but the Indian government’s decision to block their participation in the event, along with the closure of the border, effectively halted their travel.
At the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and other prominent community leaders gathered to highlight the importance of interfaith unity.
Saifullah Khokhar, during his address, noted that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary celebrations. He lamented that the Indian government had denied this opportunity to its citizens, alongside keeping the Kartarpur Corridor closed. He further stated, “In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas for Indian pilgrims to attend Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open for Sikh pilgrims, despite strained relations.”
PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora condemned India’s decision, stating, “Religious freedom is a fundamental responsibility of every nation. Regrettably, India has undermined religious harmony by preventing Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan on such an important occasion.”
Arora emphasized that Pakistan has always respected the Sikh community, maintaining and prioritizing the upkeep of their religious sites. “Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights, and India’s actions are both unacceptable and provocative,” he added.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a key route for Sikh pilgrims between India and Pakistan, remains closed from the Indian side, fueling further tension between the two nations.
Arora also expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their unwavering support for Pakistan. “The Sikh nation has proven time and again that they stand for peace, brotherhood, and truth. This solidarity shows that truth knows no borders,” he said.
Arora, along with other leaders, criticized Indian media for its negative portrayal of Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. He pointed out that Pakistan had kept the Kartarpur Corridor open, and Indian Sikh pilgrims were always welcome to visit.
