In a development that has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles, fourteen Indian Sikh pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan on Tuesday despite possessing valid visas to attend Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations.
Border Standoff at Wagah
The group of devotees, carrying official visas and documents, was stopped at the Wagah border crossing in Punjab. Pakistani authorities refused to allow them to proceed to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, where major celebrations were planned for the 554th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism.
Official Response and Confusion
Indian officials confirmed the incident, stating they received no prior information or explanation from Pakistani authorities about the sudden refusal. "The pilgrims had all the necessary documents and valid visas, yet they were turned back without any clear reason," said an official familiar with the matter.
The denial comes despite the existence of a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan that facilitates pilgrim travel to religious sites in both countries. This arrangement has historically allowed Sikh devotees to visit holy sites in Pakistan, particularly during significant religious occasions.
Historical Context of Pilgrimage
Nankana Sahib holds immense religious significance for the global Sikh community. Each year, thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims travel to Pakistan to pay homage at gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life. The pilgrimage has continued through various periods of diplomatic tension, making Tuesday's incident particularly noteworthy.
Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
This incident occurs against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. While both countries maintain a visa-free corridor for Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib, the refusal at Wagah border suggests potential complications in the broader religious tourism framework.
The unexpected denial has left the pilgrim community disappointed and raised questions about the future of cross-border religious tourism between India and Pakistan.
