Amid India-Pakistan tension, SGPC seeks passports from Sikh pilgrims intending to visit Pakistan on Guru Nanak Jayanti
PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has initiated the visa process for Sikh pilgrims intending to visit Pakistan for the 2025 birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As part of this annual tradition, the SGPC plans to send a jatha (group) of devotees to Gurdwara Sri Nankana Sahib in Pakistan this November.
SGPC secretary Partap Singh has appealed to all interested devotees to submit their passports and necessary documents by August 4, at the SGPC’s yatra department. Pilgrims are required to include a recommendation letter from their local SGPC member, along with photocopies of their Aadhaar card or Voter ID for identity verification.
“As in previous years, the SGPC will organise a jatha to historical gurdwaras in Pakistan, including Sri Nankana Sahib, to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. To ensure timely visa processing, devotees must submit their passports and documents before the deadline,” said Partap Singh.
This request comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam Terror Attack. It is noteworthy that earlier this year, a Sikh delegation was denied permission to visit Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary due to strained diplomatic relations.
The final approval for the pilgrimage now rests with the Indian government. The Sikh community keenly awaits a decision on whether they will be permitted to undertake the spiritual journey across the border.
- With inputs from agencies
