In an unexpected and controversial move, Pakistani authorities on Wednesday denied entry to 12 Hindu pilgrims who had travelled as part of a Sikh Jatha to observe the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
A total of 1,932 pilgrims crossed the Attari–Wagah border on Tuesday for the annual pilgrimage.
While immigration clearance had initially been granted to all travellers, the 12 Hindu devotees were stopped by Pakistani officials at the last moment and sent back, despite their passports already bearing entry stamps.
“Sent Back Because We Were Hindus”
One of the pilgrims forced to return, Amer Chand, told India Today: We were part of the Sikh Jatha.
We only wanted to participate in the pilgrimage, but we were turned away simply because we are Hindus. The Pakistani official asked us, ‘What will you do in this Jatha?’”
Chand, who was born in Pakistan and became an Indian citizen in 2017, also alleged that the group was not even refunded the bus fare they paid. P Pakistan looted us too,” he said.
First Jatha Post ‘Operation Sindoor’
Authorities in Amritsar confirmed that all 12 pilgrims returned to India. This was the first Sikh Jatha visiting Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, making the incident even more sensitive.
A Questionable and Contradictory Decision
The decision has raised serious questions and drawn attention to Pakistan’s inconsistent stance on religious access and minority rights.
Around the world, it is widely known that Hindu devotees frequently visit Sikh gurdwaras — including the Golden Temple in Amritsar — as a gesture of devotion to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Sikh Gurus.
Equally, in Pakistan’s own gurdwaras, non-Sikhs who hold reverence for Guru Nanak Sahib regularly offer prayers, and no such religious restriction has traditionally been imposed.
Visitors of multiple faiths — Hindus, Muslims, and others — are commonly seen at Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib.
So what exactly was Pakistan’s intent behind turning back Hindu pilgrims this time?
Was this a security-related move after recent events, or a political message aimed at projecting religious exclusivity?
Or was it simply an act of discrimination inconsistent with global Sikh tradition and Guru Nanak’s universal teachings of equality, compassion, and acceptance?
The incident not only contradicts Sikh principles of open access to gurdwaras but also raises concerns about Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom and bilateral religious pilgrimage protocols.
Stamps Already Placed, Permission Revoked Later
Sources revealed that the passports of the 12 visitors already bore Pakistani immigration stamps — clear evidence that entry permission was initially granted and later withdrawn.
The move has sparked dismay and confusion among devotees as well as officials on the Indian side, who are now seeking clarity from Pakistani authorities.
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