Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Row Over Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan Intensifies
The Indian government is preventing Sikh pilgrims from visiting holy sites in Pakistan, like Nankana Sahib, citing security concerns.
This has upset the Punjab government and Akali Dal party.
They point out that the government allows cricket matches between India and Pakistan but restricts religious visits.
They believe that if sports can happen, religious visits should also be permitted, as they are important to the Sikh community.
The central government denied Sikh pilgrims' visits to Nankana Sahib.
The decision sparked controversy, with criticism from the Punjab government and Akali Dal.
Critics questioned the 'double standards' of the government.
The Home Ministry cited security concerns as the reason.
Calls were made to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor.
- Who
- Bhagwant Mann, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Arshdeep Singh Kaler
- What
- Questioned the denial of Sikh pilgrims' visits to Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib, contrasting it with allowing cricket matches between India and Pakistan.
- When
- Following a Home Ministry advisory on September 12
- Where
- Focusing on Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib, Pakistan
- Why
- Due to the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan.
Home Ministry/Central Government
Punjab Government/Akali Dal
Pilgrimage Access
Home Ministry/Central Government
Restricting Sikh pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib due to security concerns.
Punjab Government/Akali Dal
Advocating for allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit religious sites.
- Key Issue
- Restrictions on Sikh Pilgrims
- Who
- Punjab CM, Akali Dal
- What
- Disagreement over denial of Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan
- Where
- India and Pakistan (Kartarpur & Nankana Sahib)
- Why
- Security concerns cited by Home Ministry
Sources
Nothing wrong in playing cricket with Pakistan, Sikh pilgrims should be allowed to visit birthplace of Guru Nanak: Akal Takht Jathedar
If Cricket With Pakistan Acceptable, Why Can't Sikh Pilgrims Visit Kartarpur Corridor, Questions CM Bhagwant Mann
Badal urges Amit Shah to review advisory against pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib
Badal seeks review of advisory not to process applications for Sikh jathas to visit Pakistan
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Demands Reopening Of Kartarpur Corridor For Sikh Pilgrims For 'Parkash Purab'
‘Is settling scores’: Mann slams ban on Sikh jathas to Pak, says ‘BJP has deep-rooted enmity with Punjab’
