1 day ago
Pakistani Sikh Pilgrims Barred From Indirect Flight to India
Ninety-two Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan wanted to travel to India for a religious pilgrimage.
They had Indian visas for visiting Sri Hemkund Sahib.
The group included women and children.
They arrived at Faisalabad International Airport to take a flight that would connect through a Gulf country.
Immigration officials stopped them from boarding.
Officials said they needed a return ticket and permission from Pakistan’s federal government.
The pilgrims said they had been waiting at the airport for several hours.
Authorities said the travelers may be allowed to cross into India through the Wagah Border instead.
Ninety-two Pakistani Sikh pilgrims, including women and children, were stopped at Faisalabad International Airport.
Officials said the travelers lacked a federal no-objection certificate and return tickets.
The group had visas for pilgrimage to Sri Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand.
The pilgrims had arranged Indian visas through the Delhi Mandar Management Committee, officials said.
Authorities indicated the group might instead travel to India through the Wagah Border.
- Who
- Ninety-two Pakistani Sikh pilgrims, including women and children, and Pakistani immigration authorities.
- What
- The pilgrims were stopped from boarding an indirect flight to India despite holding Indian pilgrimage visas.
- Where
- Faisalabad International Airport in Pakistan.
- When
- Friday; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- Officials said the group lacked a federal no-objection certificate and return tickets, and had not coordinated travel through the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee.
Pilgrims’ Account
Authorities’ Explanation
Reason for the delay
Pilgrims’ Account
A Pakistani Sikh pilgrim said the group had been held at Faisalabad airport for about four hours and appealed for help so they could continue their journey.
Authorities’ Explanation
Immigration officials said the travelers could proceed after producing a federal no-objection certificate and return tickets.
Travel arrangements
Pilgrims’ Account
The group arrived at the airport with Indian visas for its pilgrimage and sought to travel by air through an indirect route.
Authorities’ Explanation
A federal official said the pilgrims should have coordinated with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee and used the Wagah Border, adding that their visas had been arranged independently.
Key facts
- Travelers affected
- 92 Pakistani Sikh pilgrims
- Purpose of travel
- Pilgrimage to Sri Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand
- Departure point
- Faisalabad International Airport
- Required documents cited
- A federal government no-objection certificate and return ticket
- Planned route
- An indirect flight through a Gulf country
- Possible alternative route
- The Wagah Border
- Visa arrangement
- Visas were reportedly arranged through the Delhi Mandar Management Committee
Quotes
Federal Investigation Agency official
An official of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency who described the immigration decision
“The immigration officials told them to produce an NOC from the federal government and the return ticket, after which they would be allowed to proceed to their destination.”
deccanchronicle.com
“For the last four hours we are languishing at the Faisalabad airport...someone should take notice of this and help the pilgrims proceed to their destination”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
MEA Cites Security Concerns as SGPC Seeks More Kartarpur Visas
Pakistani Sindhi Brides Reach India After Operation Sindoor Visa Freeze
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban on Indian Aircraft Until September 24
Pakistan Warns Hajj Pilgrims Against Begging in Saudi Arabia
Punjab CM's Europe Visit Hangs on Centre's Clearance
