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India blocks Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji anniversary
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In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony.
The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, including India.
According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage.
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Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events.
'Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission to its pilgrims but has also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,' Khokhar stated.
'In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open to Sikh pilgrims. Despite strained relations, Pakistan has clearly stated that its doors are open to Indian Sikh pilgrims 24/7. We are hopeful that Indian Sikhs will visit Pakistan for the upcoming anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,' he added.
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PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, stating, 'Respecting religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country. Regrettably, India has undermined religious harmony and hurt the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan on Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom anniversary. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of the same policy.'
He further emphasized that the Sikh community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government prioritizes the upkeep of Sikh religious sites. 'Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights. India's actions—blocking Sikh pilgrims and keeping the Kartarpur Corridor shut—are unacceptable and provocative,' Arora remarked.
He also criticized Indian media for its ongoing propaganda against Pakistan, saying, 'Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from our side, and Indian Sikh pilgrims are welcome to visit at any time.'
Previously, Arora has expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their strong show of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amidst recent regional developments.
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In a statement issued, Arora lauded the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by Sikhs across the world, saying, "The Sikh nation has once again proven that it does not compromise on the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth."
He noted that Sikhs living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, various European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan's stance. "This is a historic message that truth knows no borders," he added.
The minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord within the Sikh community had failed.
