Lahore: India has barred a group of Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan to attend the annual anniversary rituals of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Sikh pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today but were denied permission by Indian authorities.
Evacuee Trust Property Board organized a symbolic reception at Wagah Border today for the Sikh Yatrees, who have been declined visas by India to visit Pakistan. Speaking at the event, the Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, said that the Government of Pakistan has always prioritized the provision of facilities to Sikh pilgrims and considers Pakistan as a second home for Sikhs.
He emphasized that Sikhs are given immense respect in Pakistan, and those who come from India to Pakistan always carry a message of peace and love. Arora remarked that while India has closed the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan remains ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims.
He described India’s actions as extremely unfortunate, equating the denial of visas to Sikh pilgrims to preventing them from performing their religious rituals. Arora urged that since a ceasefire is in place, the Modi government should now reopen the Kartarpur Corridor.