Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The central government has denied clearance for the proposed pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, citing security-related concerns. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which has called on the Centre to respect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
The Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed its decision in a formal communication to the SGPC, stating that the current situation along the India–Pakistan border remains tense and does not support the safe movement of pilgrims. It added that allowing such cross-border travel at this juncture could pose security challenges.
The letter made it clear that, in light of these risks, facilitating the religious journey to Nankana Sahib—considered one of the holiest sites in Sikhism—is not deemed feasible at this time.
SGPC Reacts Strongly
Responding to the Centre’s refusal, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami criticized the move, calling it a blow to religious freedom and a disregard for the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
“This decision deeply hurts the sentiments of Sikhs,” Dhami said. “On the one hand, dialogues and sports diplomacy are being explored between India and Pakistan. On the other hand, Sikh pilgrims are being denied the opportunity to visit a sacred site associated with the very foundation of our faith.”
Dhami further urged the government to separate matters of religious devotion from political tensions and allow Sikh devotees to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Parv at his birthplace.
A Call to Respect Faith
The SGPC has officially appealed to the Union government to reconsider its stand and explore safe avenues for allowing the pilgrimage. According to the committee, restricting religious travel sends the wrong message to a community that holds Nankana Sahib as a central part of its heritage.
The pilgrimage typically draws Sikh devotees from around the globe each year, who travel to Pakistan as part of a structured, visa-approved group. Past visits have been coordinated under long-standing bilateral agreements between India and Pakistan governing religious visits to historical shrines.
No Word on Reversal
As of now, there has been no indication from the Centre that it intends to review its decision. However, the SGPC has expressed hope that the government will take a more accommodating stance, keeping in view the spiritual value of the occasion and the sentiments of the Sikh community both in India and abroad.
