In a decision that aroused criticism from religious leaders and defenders of interconfessional harmony, the Indian government has prohibited Sikhs pilgrims from going to Pakistan to participate in the annual birthday of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
Despite this restriction, Pakistan’s Evacuuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organized a symbolic reception on the border of Wagah de Lahore, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and the promotion of interfaith harmony.
The main ceremony marking the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will be held in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with extensive invitations to Sikhs from all over the world, including India.
According to the calendar of the event, Indian pilgrims were to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, the current tensions between India and Pakistan and the border closure led the Indian government to prevent its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage.
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Speaking at the symbolic reception, the president of the ETPB, Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, the additional Sanctuary Secretary Saifullah Khokhar, the president of PSGPC, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, members of the Committee, the priest Krishna Mandir of Lahore Pandit Kashi Ram, the Hinmiki Mir’s Recornath community Randhawa, Mir’s Shrine Mir’s Shrine Mir’s Shrine Mir’s Shrine Mir’s Shrine Mir’s Shrine. Syed Ali Raza Gillani and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate the interconfessional unit.
Addressing the rally, the additional secretary, the sanctuaries, Saifullah Khokhar, said that as part of a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikhs pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan for the anniversary events of the martyrdom.
“Unfortunately, this year, the Indian government not only denied authorization to its pilgrims, but also kept the Kartarpur corridor,” said Khokhar.
“In April, Pakistan delivered 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vakhi celebrations. Our doors are open to Sikh pilgrims. Despite tense relations, Pakistan has clearly declared that its doors are open to Indian Sikhs 24/7 pilgrims. We hope that Indian Sikhs will visit Pakistan for the next birthday of Mahara Ranja Ranja.
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The president of PSGPC, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, firmly condemned the decision of the Indian government, declaring: “Respect for religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of each country. Unfortunately, India has undermined religious harmony and injured the feelings of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan on the martyr of Gurar-Dev. policy.”
He also pointed out that the Sikh community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government gives priority to the maintenance of Sikhs religious sites. “Pakistan is a real guardian of the rights of minorities. The actions of India – blocking the sikhs pilgrims and maintained the corridor of Kartarpur closed – are unacceptable and provocative, “noted Arora.
He also criticized the Indian media for his propaganda continues against Pakistan, saying: “Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance and interconfessional harmony. The Kartarpur corridor remains open on our side, and Indian Sikh pilgrims are welcome at any time. ”
Previously, Arora has expressed a deep gratitude to the global Sikhs community for their solid demonstration of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces in the midst of recent regional developments.
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In a published declaration, Arora praised the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by the Sikhs around 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 like India, the United States, Canada, various European countries and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan’s position. “It is a historical message that the truth has no borders,” he added.
The Minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord in the Sikh community had failed.
