SGPC thanks govt for allowing Sikh jatha to celebrate Gurpurab in Pakistan; issues detailed schedule
PTC Web Desk: The Government of India has granted approval for a Sikh jatha to visit Pakistan to mark the upcoming Parkash Purab celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Welcoming the decision, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Secretary Partap Singh said although the approval came late, the Sikh community respected the step, describing it as a case of “better late than never.”
Partap Singh noted that Sikhs have long been demanding unhindered access to their historic gurdwaras across the border. “Just as sportspersons from both countries are allowed to play in each other’s territories, Sikhs too should have the right to pay obeisance at their revered gurdwaras,” he said.
He pointed out that normally at least 45 days are required for processing such a pilgrimage, but this time the government has approved the visit within a very limited timeframe. As a result, only those passports already submitted with the SGPC are being considered for visa processing.
The SGPC has also released a detailed schedule and locations for devotees to submit visa forms and required documents. According to the notification:
On October 7, devotees from districts, including Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, and Mohali, can submit their documents at designated gurdwaras.
On October 8, arrangements have been made for devotees from Patiala, Kapurthala, Muktsar, Ropar, and nearby areas.
On October 9, devotees from Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Nawanshahr–Sri Anandpur Sahib regions can deposit their documents at specified gurdwaras.
He urged devotees to strictly adhere to the announced dates and venues to ensure timely completion of the visa process. He clarified that no fresh lists would be entertained due to the time constraint, and only passports already with the SGPC will be processed.
Calling the approval a fulfillment of a long-standing prayer of the Sikh community, he recalled that earlier the government had denied permission for security reasons. “Now that the approval has been granted, we thank the Government of India,” he said.
Expressing hope for the future, Partap Singh also emphasised the need for regular access to Kartarpur Sahib through the corridor and urged both India and Pakistan to prioritise the religious rights of Sikhs.
- PTC NEWS
