India has refused to allow Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan for the 486th death anniversary of Sikh spiritual leader Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, scheduled on September 22 at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Narowal. Despite Pakistan’s formal invitation, Indian authorities have denied the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs), effectively preventing devotees from crossing through the Wagah/Attari border and the Kartarpur Corridor.
The restrictions mean that no Sikh pilgrims from India will be able to attend this year’s ceremonies. However, Sikh communities from other parts of the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, have already begun arriving in Pakistan to participate in the religious events.
Relations between the two countries worsened earlier this year following border tensions and a brief military confrontation in May, leading to the closure of key crossing points and the expulsion of citizens from both sides.
According to the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Pakistan has consistently maintained that its doors remain open for Sikh pilgrims at all times. Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly criticized India’s move, terming it a violation of fundamental religious rights. He emphasized that every community deserves the freedom to observe its faith.
On the other side, Pakistan showing respect to Sikh community Granted Historic Visas to Indian Sikh Pilgrims for Baisakhi
