Islamabad: Pakistan’s continued facilitation of Sikh pilgrims has been appreciated by observers, who said the gesture reflects Islamabad’s commitment to protecting religious minorities and promoting interfaith harmony.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Pakistan High Commission issued 737 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for participation in the death anniversary ceremonies of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Of them, 541 pilgrims were sponsored by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
The pilgrims visited sacred Sikh sites, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. The delegation is scheduled to return to India on June 19 after completing its religious observances.
Political analysts and human rights activists said Pakistan has consistently facilitated Sikh religious tourism, particularly through the Kartarpur Corridor, which has enabled large numbers of Sikh devotees from India and other countries to visit their holy sites.
They contrasted Pakistan’s hospitality towards Sikh pilgrims with what they described as India’s record of persecution of Sikhs. The activists cited allegations of transnational repression against Sikh activists and recalled past incidents of violence against the Sikh community, including the 1984 anti-Sikh massacres and rights violations reported during the Punjab conflict.
The speakers said respect for religious freedom and the protection of minority communities remain essential for peace, justice and regional harmony.
