Pakistan rejects ‘baseless’ claims of denying entry to Hindu community members

• Foreign Office spokesperson terms allegations ‘unfounded, politically motivated distortions’
• Says over 2,400 visas issued for Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, noting 1,932 Sikh yatrees crossed Attari–Wagah border without hindrance
• Pakistan slams attempts to give routine immigration checks a communal twist

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected what it called “unfounded and misleading” allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into the country, stressing that the matter was purely administrative and involved individuals with incomplete documentation rather than any religious consideration.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, responding to media queries, said the assertions being circulated were “entirely baseless” and part of yet another attempt to distort facts and politicize a routine immigration decision.

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Statement by the Spokesperson

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He said the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi had issued more than 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from 4–13 November 2025. On 4 November, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully entered Pakistan through the Attari–Wagah border, while around 300 visa holders were stopped by Indian authorities and not allowed to cross over.

“The entire immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth, orderly and free of any hindrance,” Andrabi said.

He explained that only a “very small number” of individuals were found carrying incomplete documentation and were unable to provide satisfactory information to immigration officials. In line with standard procedures, they were asked to return to the Indian side for clarification.

“To suggest that these individuals were denied entry on religious grounds is completely incorrect and mischievous,” the spokesperson said. He reaffirmed that Pakistan consistently welcomes pilgrims of all faiths under a well-established, facilitative framework.

The decision, he noted, was strictly administrative and in keeping with Pakistan’s sovereign right to regulate entry into its territory.

Andrabi added that attempts to give the issue a communal or political colour were “regrettable” and reflected the increasingly prejudiced narratives shaping the Indian government and its media discourse.