In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about religious equality, Pakistani immigration officials allegedly prevented Hindu pilgrims from joining a Sikh jatha (group) to visit religious sites across the border, explicitly stating, "You are Hindu, you can't go with the Sikh jatha."
Religious Discrimination at the Border
The controversy unfolded when a group of Hindu pilgrims from India's Punjab region attempted to cross into Pakistan through the Wagah border to visit prominent gurdwaras. According to firsthand accounts, Pakistani officials systematically separated Hindu pilgrims from their Sikh counterparts, denying them entry despite valid travel documents.
One affected pilgrim recounted the distressing experience: "We had all the necessary permissions and were traveling with the Sikh pilgrims. But at the border, Pakistani officials told us point-blank that as Hindus, we couldn't proceed with the Sikh group."
Broken Promises and Diplomatic Concerns
The incident becomes particularly concerning given the historical context of the Kartarpur Corridor agreement, which was supposed to facilitate seamless religious tourism between the two countries. Pakistan had previously committed to allowing pilgrims of all faiths to visit religious sites, making this selective restriction even more puzzling.
Multiple pilgrims confirmed that officials provided no valid reason for the denial beyond their religious identity. This has sparked concerns about whether Pakistan is honoring its commitments under bilateral agreements governing religious tourism.
Impact on Religious Harmony
What makes this situation particularly troubling is that many Hindu families in Punjab have deep cultural and historical connections to Sikhism and regularly visit gurdwaras as part of their spiritual practice. The arbitrary separation of pilgrims based on religion undermines the syncretic traditions that have long characterized the region.
"We've always visited gurdwaras as part of our family tradition," explained another pilgrim. "This sudden discrimination based on our religious identity is both hurtful and confusing."
Growing Calls for Official Intervention
The incident has prompted calls for diplomatic intervention from Indian authorities and religious organizations. Community leaders are urging the Ministry of External Affairs to address what they see as a clear case of religious discrimination that violates the spirit of cross-border religious tourism agreements.
As religious tourism between India and Pakistan remains a sensitive barometer of bilateral relations, this incident threatens to undermine confidence in cross-border pilgrimage programs that have been carefully nurtured over the years.
