PSGPC Criticizes Move as a Blow to Religious Harmony
In a controversial move that has sparked backlash from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has prohibited Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to attend the annual commemoration of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom, the fifth Guru of Sikhism.
Despite the restrictions, Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) held a symbolic welcome ceremony at Lahore’s Wagah border on Sunday. The gesture aimed to demonstrate solidarity with the Sikh community and promote interfaith unity.
The main commemorative event is scheduled for June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims worldwide, including from India.
Indian pilgrims were originally set to arrive on June 9. However, due to persistent tensions between the two countries and continued border closures, the Indian government denied its citizens permission to make the pilgrimage.
Attending the symbolic ceremony were ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, various committee members, Lahore’s Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir’s shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and Christian community members—all standing together in a show of interfaith harmony.
Speaking at the event, Saifullah Khokhar noted that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit Pakistan annually for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom events.
“Sadly, this year the Indian government not only refused permission for its pilgrims but also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,” Khokhar said.
He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to welcoming pilgrims: “In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas for Indian Sikhs attending Vaisakhi. Our doors remain open—day and night. Despite political tensions, we hope Indian Sikhs will come for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s upcoming anniversary.”
PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly denounced India’s decision, stating, “Upholding religious freedom is a basic duty of every nation. Unfortunately, by denying Sikh pilgrims the opportunity to visit Pakistan, India has damaged religious harmony and hurt Sikh sentiments. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is another aspect of this troubling policy.”
Arora highlighted the respect and care the Sikh community receives in Pakistan. “Pakistan genuinely protects minority rights. India’s actions—barring pilgrims and keeping the corridor closed—are unjustifiable and inflammatory,” he said.
He also criticized Indian media for spreading false narratives about Pakistan, asserting, “We continue to promote peace, tolerance, and religious unity. The Kartarpur Corridor is open from our side. Indian Sikh pilgrims are always welcome.”
Arora also expressed his gratitude to the global Sikh community for its consistent solidarity with Pakistan, especially in light of recent regional developments.
In a separate statement, he praised the global Sikh community’s commitment to peace and justice: “The Sikh nation has once again shown its unwavering adherence to the principles of peace, brotherhood, and truth.”
He acknowledged the support of Sikhs across India, the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Switzerland, saying, “This is a powerful reminder that truth transcends borders.”
Arora concluded by noting that efforts by certain hostile forces to sow division within the Sikh community had failed.
