Massive uproar in Punjab over Centre's refusal to allow Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan
PTC News Desk: A row has been erupted in Punjab over the Union Home Ministry's denial to grant permission for a Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for the Parkash Parb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in November this year, citing security concerns.
The move will directly affect thousands of devotees who traditionally visit Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib to commemorate the occasion.
A letter was issued on September 12 to Punjab Chief Secretary and its neighbouring states including Haryana and Delhi, stating:
“Considering the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan, it would not be possible to send the Sikh pilgrims’ jatha to Pakistan on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab in November 2025. We request that Sikh organizations in your state be informed, and that the processing of jatha applications be stopped immediately.”
The matter escalated after India Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 with political leaders and Sikh figures questioning the priority given to cricket match over religious sentiments.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the Home Ministry's advisory and accused the Central government of “double standards”. He questioned the ban on pilgrimages, while cricket matches resumed between India and Pakistan.
“If cricket matches can be played with Pakistan, why are Sikh devotees being prevented from visiting Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib?” Mann asked.
Meanwhile opposition parties in Punjab have echoed similar concerns criticising Centre's advisory.
Shiromani Akali Dali President Sukhbir Singh Badal appealed to Union Home Ministry to review its decision considering the religious sentiments. He also demanded reopening of Kartarpur Corridor.
"Sikh pilgrims are desirous of paying homage at Sri Nankana Sahib on this auspicious occasion and not allowing them to do so would hurt their religious feelings," he tweeted on Tuesday.
I urge home minister @AmitShah ji to review the ministry’s advisory to various State governments not to process applications for Jathas for pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the pious occasion of Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji in November this year.
Sikh… pic.twitter.com/tuLVdwbhGR — Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) September 15, 2025
"In the wake of the resumption of sporting ties between Pakistan and India, I also appeal for reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate pilgrims wishing to pay their respects..." he added further.
Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh, also wrote on X: “Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across the world holds deep reverence for the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Denying jathas permission to pay obeisance there, while allowing cricket with Pakistan, reflects a painful inconsistency in priorities.... A nation that takes pride in its diversity should not place financial interests above religious sentiments. Punjab’s voice deserves fairness, dignity, and equal treatment,” he added.
- PTC NEWS
