Pakistan marked on Saturday 186th anniversary of the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with solemn ceremonies in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, but the absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims projects a shadow on the commemorations.
The Indian authorities have denied the authorization of a delegation of Sikhs to go to Pakistan despite the official invitation of Islamabad, according to Pakistani officials.
This decision has aroused strong criticism from Sikh leaders and defenders of rights, who call it discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom.
Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, president of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), addressed the rally and pays tribute to the heritage of the religious tolerance of Ranjit Singh.
“Ranjit Singh built not only a Sikh state, but a rooted in compliance with all the confessions,” said Chauhan. “Having the sikhs from visiting your mausoleum is a serious injustice.”
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A large number of Pakistani sikhs gathered at Samadhi (mausoleum) in Ranjit Singh to offer prayers and remember the founder of the Sikh Empire, largely venerated for the promotion of pluralism.
Chauhan said that Pakistan had restored key Sikhs sites, including Nankana Sahiba, Panja Sahib and Dera Sahib. He also noted the installations provided to pilgrims, including accommodation, health care, language and security.
The additional sanctuary secretary, Saifullah Khokhar, said that the event was a symbol of interconfessional peace and cultural preservation. “Pilgrims around the world come back with respect and love for the hospitality of Pakistan,” he said.
Sardar Bishan Singh, former head of the Pakistani committee Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak, expressed his pain on India’s decision. “It’s heartbreaking for the Sikh world community,” he said. “On the other hand, minorities in Pakistan feel protected.”
The Minister of Minorities of Punjab and the current President of the Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, did not attend personal reasons.
The event ended with Sikhs prayers, highlighting Pakistan’s continuous efforts to protect religious heritage despite regional tensions.
