Govt allows Sikh jathas to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab, but under strict conditions | Read in Detail
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development ahead of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab celebrations, the Government of India has granted permission for Sikh pilgrim jathas to visit Pakistan. The historic occasion will be observed on November 5, and devotees will now be able to cross into Pakistan to pay obeisance at gurdwaras.
The approval comes in response to a demand raised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which had sought clearance for devotees to participate in the religious observances across the border.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the clearance for the pilgrimage will be granted under strict conditions:
(1) State governments and Union Territories will only accept properly filled applications sponsored by recognised Sikh religious organisations within their jurisdiction.
(2) Applications must undergo thorough scrutiny by state police, CID, and intelligence agencies in consultation with central security agencies, before being forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs by October 22, 2025.
(3) Only those devotees recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and subsequently issued visas by Pakistan, will be allowed to travel via the ICP Attari border as members of the designated Sikh jatha.
(4) Travel will strictly be permitted only as part of the MHA-approved jatha. Even those holding valid Pakistani visas will not be allowed to travel independently due to security considerations.
- PTC NEWS
