Following the deterioration of relations between Pakistan and India, New Delhi has also imposed restrictions on Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan, citing security reasons. Sikh community leaders have appealed to the Indian government to lift the recent ban on pilgrims traveling to Pakistan to pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of their religion.
Sikh community leaders have called the ban a violation of international norms and moral values. The appeal was made by Mahesh Singh, vice president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the official body that manages Sikh pilgrimage sites in Pakistan, where many Sikh holy sites are located.
Why did India impose the ban?
The Indian government had banned Sikhs from visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak Jayanti on September 12, citing security concerns. There was no immediate comment from New Delhi following the appeal.
This ban once again highlights the strain in relations between India and Pakistan. The conflict between the two countries following the Pahalgam attack in May has strained diplomatic relations and led to visa suspensions. Although a US-brokered ceasefire has come into effect, heavy travel restrictions remain in place between the two countries.
The Pakistani government said that pilgrims are welcome
Despite the strained relations, Pakistani officials say that under existing arrangements, Sikh and other religious pilgrims from India are welcome to visit religious sites in Pakistan, according to AP News.
After the partition of British India in 1947, many Sikh holy sites came under Pakistan, and Sikhs living in India continue to visit them.
