Political parties and Sikh bodies on Monday (September 15, 2025) urged the Centre to reconsider its decision asking State governments not to process applications for pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November this year.
In communication to State governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “taking into account the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan, it would not be possible to send Sikh pilgrims Jatha to Pakistan..”
Nankana Sahib in Pakistan is the the birthplace of Guru Nanak.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly objected to the Centre’s decision. He said it’s hard to understand whether the BJP’s policy is against Pakistan or against its own people, adding that it reflects the hostile attitude of the BJP government towards Punjab.
Senior Congress leader and MLA Pargat Singh also condemned the decision, pointing out that while cricket matches, trade, and film exchanges with Pakistan are permitted, Sikh pilgrims are stopped. “Faith cannot be censored or confined. If cricket can cross borders, why can’t devotion?” he said.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal noted that Sikh pilgrims had undertaken visits to holy shrines in Pakistan under the framework of the Nehru–Liaquat Pact of 1950, which explicitly provides for four annual visits, the most significant of them being the Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib. “Not allowing them to do so would hurt their religious feelings,” he said.
He urged the Centre to review its decision, demanding that pilgrims should be allowed to proceed at their own risk. “Sikhs had visited Pakistan even during heightened hostility and considering the thaw in relations with the resumption of cricketing ties between the two countries, permission should also be granted for pilgrimage to Sikh holy sites in Pakistan,” he added.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages historical Gurdwaras, termed the decision as “unfortunate”. SGPC secretary Pratap Singh asked the Centre government to allow the visit.
Published – September 15, 2025 10:40 pm IST
