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Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniv: Uncertainty over Sikh pilgrims' visit to Pak
Amritsar : Uncertainty looms over the visit of 500 Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh — to be observed on June 30 — following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. According to a pact between the two nations, 500 pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan on the death anniversary of the Maharaja. The SGPC quota is 300, while 200 pilgrims are sent by other Sikh bodies. After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union government imposed restrictions on Indian citizens travelling to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border and suspended all types of visas, with certain exemptions. In response, Pakistan canceled all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals — except for Sikh religious pilgrims. A statement issued by Pakistani authorities instructed Indian nationals in Pakistan under SVES to leave the country, excluding Sikh pilgrims. Palwinder Singh, in-charge of SGPC's pilgrimage department, confirmed that 326 names have been submitted for visa processing. 'We have prepared and sent the lists to the Punjab government and other authorities. The pilgrims can travel only if the Union government grants permission,' he stated. As per the Nehru-Liaquat Pact signed in 1950, Sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit shrines in Pakistan on four key religious occasions, including the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, foundation day of Khalsa Panth (Baisakhi) and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sikh bodies not to send jatha on Guru Arjan's martyrdom day However, Sikh bodies such as the Khalra Mission Committee, Nankana Sahib Foundation and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) have decided not to send jatha on martyrdom day of the fifth master Guru Arjan Dev, which falls on June 16, to Pakistan. Jagjit Singh Bhullar, president of the Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society in Ferozepur, said: 'I have coordinated with all Sikh bodies except the SGPC and decided not to send the jatha on Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day because of the tense situation at the border. Also, we don't expect the Indian government to grant travel permission.' Due to a dispute over the Nanakshahi calendar, the SGPC observes Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom day on May 30, based on its amended version, and does not organise pilgrimages for the June 16 date followed by other bodies. Despite the current diplomatic strain, Pakistan's Punjab minister for minorities affairs and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Arora had earlier confirmed that visa arrangements were being made for Indian pilgrims planning to visit for Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom observance at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore. Just days before the Pahalgam attack, nearly 5,800 Indian pilgrims returned from Pakistan after celebrating Baisakhi in April — the largest Sikh jatha to visit Pakistan since Partition, with nearly 7,000 visas issued.
Japan Forward
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
The Pahalgam Terror Attack and the Indian Response
India's recent precision strikes on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir carry a big message — that India will not stop at anything to send a message to terrorists and their backers in Pakistan. What started it all was the April 22 terror attack on Pahalgam in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. That attack killed 26 tourists, thereby opening up old wounds in India. It recalled the times of the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, the Mumbai terror attack of 2008, the Pathankot Air Force base attack in 2016, the Pulwama attack in 2019, and many others. As in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack of 2019, India has now chosen to strike deep inside Pakistan. By doing so, it has sent a message not only to Pakistan but to the wider world. Following the April 22 terror attack, India first put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. It is the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 that governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries. As Pakistan is short on water, especially during the dry months, this could be very crucial. New Delhi also suspended the movement of people and goods through the Attari-Wagah Border checkpost. Those Pakistani nationals who were already in India with valid documents were allowed to return by May 1, 2025. In addition, New Delhi suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. (SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.) Any SVES visas issued in the past have been deemed canceled. At the same time, India expelled all Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors based at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi by declaring them persona non grata . India has also withdrawn its military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. In addition, the strength of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan has also been pared down. In the early hours of May 7, Indian aircraft fired missiles from inside Indian territory. Those missiles hit 9 terror hideouts inside Pakistan as part of "Operation Sindoor." That attack appeared to take Pakistan completely by surprise. In the second round of attacks, India targeted missile defense sites in some of the major Pakistani cities. Those were in retaliation for the attacks on civilians in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, across what is known as the Line of Control. Later, in the early hours of May 10, India also hit a series of other military targets in Pakistan in retaliation for the attacks by Pakistan on civilian targets. Such airstrikes and missile strikes undoubtedly rattled Pakistan and its backers. At the same time, New Delhi reached out to its different countries, especially members of the United Nations Security Council. Many of them have already expressed an understanding of the Indian position. Villagers survey damage caused by an attack in Kashmir on May 10. (©AP via Kyodo News) The world now has to decide which side it is on. Terrorism is a universal problem that can impact every country. It is worth mentioning here that the Americans killed Osama bin Laden inside Pakistan. Many Western countries have themselves been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks on their citizens. It is worth mentioning here that Japanese nationals were killed in terrorism incidents in Syria and also in Bangladesh. Hence, Japan, too, needs to be careful, especially as terrorists do not spare people based on nationality. As events unfolded, Indian Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke to Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Japan has expressed an understanding of the Indian position. In a written statement, the Japanese foreign minister noted: "Regarding the terrorist attack that occurred in Kashmir on April 22, Japan once again strongly condemns such terrorist acts. In this regard, Japan is deeply concerned that the recent series of events could lead to further reprisals and escalate into a full-scale military conflict." Meanwhile, in the global sphere, Turkey and Azerbaijan have come out in support of Pakistan. There are some lessons to be learned here. India had mounted a massive rescue operation in the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. However, Ankara seems to have forgotten that now. US President Donald Trump (©AP via Kyodo) The Chinese factor cannot be ignored, either. China has been a steadfast backer of Pakistan in all forums. Beijing has been pushing an anti-India narrative on all fronts, including getting close to another of India's neighbors, Bangladesh. Mention should be made here of the Chinese "String of Pearls" strategy. That reflects China's aim of encircling India from all sides with Chinese-run ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Ultimately, the trajectory of this conflict will depend on the kind of stand taken by the members of the United Nations Security Council. India has made it clear that it will retaliate against any further attacks from Pakistan. The fact that the Indian strikes took place late into the night shows that India wanted to avoid civilian casualties. What is good to know is that India has shown that even though both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed nations, a conventional war below the nuclear threshold is still a viable proposition. Hence, propping up terror outfits as a kind of low-cost warfare will not work anymore for Pakistan. In very positive news, a ceasefire went into effect from 1700 hours local time on May 10, 2025. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the Director General of Military Operations for Pakistan called his Indian counterpart, and the two sides worked out a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump also announced this on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said the decision was reached after a "long night" of talks mediated by the United States, although India has disagreed with President Trump on that point. The cessation of hostilities, for now, is indeed a welcome augury for the region and the world. Author: Dr Rupakjyoti Borah Dr Rupakjyoti Borah is a Senior Research Fellow with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies. The views expressed here are personal.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
On Islamabad's request, UNSC to hold closed-door consultations on India-Pakistan tensions
In a statement shared on Sunday, Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN stated, 'In view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which presents a serious risk of escalation and poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security, Pakistan has formally requested emergency closed consultations of the United Nations Security Council. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area after the UNSC meeting on Monday afternoon, Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN said. New York (US): Under severe international pressure following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, Pakistan has now urged the United Nation Security Council for a meeting on the tensions with India. The United Nations Security Council will now hold closed door consultations on Monday on the situation on May 5. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area following the meeting on the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025.' Earlier the UNSC had condemned the Pahalgam attack in a statement on April 23. 'The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of India and Government of Nepal and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice,' the statement said. Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The central government also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India also immediately suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Amid the ongoing tensions, India also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Commerce and Industry's Gazette notification issued on Saturday reads, 'In exercise of power conffered by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with Paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Polivy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central government hereby inserts a new Para 2.20A in the Foerign Trade Policy, 2023 as follos with immediet effect.' 'Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan. Direct or indirect Import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,' the Commerce and Industry Ministry's notification added. This report is auto-generated from the ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also read: As India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pakistan, here's how their foreign missions are staffed
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Backing tough diplomatic measures, Iltija Mufti seeks relief for Pak women living in Kashmir for decades
New Delhi: People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and took up cudgels on behalf of Pakistani nationals, especially women, in the Valley facing the dilemma of returning to the neighbouring nation after tough diplomatic measures announced by the Indian government. 'There are women who have been married to Kashmiris and settled in the Valley for the past 30-40 years. How can they be expected to return?' said Iltija Mufti while talking to IANS. Advocating a humanitarian approach towards some categories of Pakistan passport, she said, 'I feel some people from Pakistan who have come and have been living for the past 30-40 years have inadvertently got clubbed with others who were intended to be sent back.' One such woman had been living for the past 50 years, her son died while serving in an Indian security force, and Home Minister Amit Shah also went to her home to pay tribute to him, she said. Iltija Mufti backed the tough diplomatic measures taken by the Indian government, as the federal government considers them important, but said, 'At the same time, looking at things from a humanitarian angle will indicate that they have not been treated fairly.' Earlier, former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also highlighted the plight of Kashmiris who are Pakistani nationals but are based in the Valley and sought some relaxation for them as they are facing problems after the Indian government directed them to return. 'These people have been living here for 50 years. Women are married, have children, and now they are being sent to Pakistan. No one is accepting them there either. Pakistan is not accepting them. They are sitting on the border. The border is closed. Now, they are neither here nor there,' said Abdullah. Urging an early decision on the fate of stranded Pakistanis, he said, 'What kind of justice is this? Where will you send them? If Pakistan is not ready to take them, what will they do? Their children are here. They are citizens here. The Prime Minister will have to make a decision on what to do.' Taking strong measures after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government banned Pakistani nationals from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals were also deemed cancelled. All Pakistani nationals present in the country under an SVES visa were told to leave India.
Times of Oman
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
UNSC to hold closed-door meeting on India-Pakistan situation
New York: Under severe international pressure following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, Pakistan has now urged the United Nation Security Council for a meeting on the tensions with India. The United Nations Security Council will now hold closed door consultations on Monday on the situation on May 5. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area after the UNSC meeting on Monday afternoon, Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN said. In a statement shared on Sunday, Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN stated, "In view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which presents a serious risk of escalation and poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security, Pakistan has formally requested emergency closed consultations of the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area following the meeting on the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025." Earlier the UNSC had condemned the Pahalgam attack in a statement on April 23. "The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of India and Government of Nepal and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," the statement said. Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The central government also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India also immediately suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Amid the ongoing tensions, India also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Commerce and Industry's Gazette notification issued on Saturday reads, "In exercise of power conffered by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with Paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Polivy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central government hereby inserts a new Para 2.20A in the Foerign Trade Policy, 2023 as follos with immediet effect." "Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan. Direct or indirect Import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India," the Commerce and Industry Ministry's notification added.
