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Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India blocks Sikhs' Pakistan pilgrimage
In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony. The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the world, including India. According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage. Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity. Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events.
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India blocks Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji anniversary
Listen to article In a move that has drawn criticism from religious leaders and advocates of interfaith harmony, the Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. Despite this restriction, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) organised a symbolic reception at Lahore's Wagah border on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the Sikh community and promoting interfaith harmony. The main ceremony marking Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom will be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, including India. According to the event schedule, the Indian pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closure of the border led the Indian government to block its citizens from undertaking the pilgrimage. READ MORE: 20m Sikhs stand with Pakistan against Indian aggression, says Khalistan Movement leader Speaking at the symbolic reception, ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, committee members, Lahore's Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Hindu community representative Amarnath Randhawa, custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir's shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani, and members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate interfaith unity. Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Indian Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary events. 'Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission to its pilgrims but has also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,' Khokhar stated. 'In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open to Sikh pilgrims. Despite strained relations, Pakistan has clearly stated that its doors are open to Indian Sikh pilgrims 24/7. We are hopeful that Indian Sikhs will visit Pakistan for the upcoming anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,' he added. READ MORE: Punjab minority minister, Sikh leaders condemn Indian drone attack on Nankana Sahib PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora strongly condemned the Indian government's decision, stating, 'Respecting religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country. Regrettably, India has undermined religious harmony and hurt the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan on Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom anniversary. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of the same policy.' He further emphasized that the Sikh community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government prioritizes the upkeep of Sikh religious sites. 'Pakistan is a true guardian of minority rights. India's actions—blocking Sikh pilgrims and keeping the Kartarpur Corridor shut—are unacceptable and provocative,' Arora remarked. He also criticized Indian media for its ongoing propaganda against Pakistan, saying, 'Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The Kartarpur Corridor remains open from our side, and Indian Sikh pilgrims are welcome to visit at any time.' Previously, Arora has expressed deep gratitude to the global Sikh community for their strong show of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amidst recent regional developments. READ MORE: Khalsa leader expresses solidarity with Pakistan In a statement issued, Arora lauded the unity and ideological clarity demonstrated by Sikhs across the world, saying, "The Sikh nation has once again proven that it does not compromise on the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth." He noted that Sikhs living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, various European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan's stance. "This is a historic message that truth knows no borders," he added. The minister said that attempts by certain hostile elements to create discord within the Sikh community had failed.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan invites Sikh pilgrims to attend two events in Lahore this month
Pakistan has invited Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, to attend two Sikh events in Lahore this month, an official said on Monday, amid tensions between the two countries. 'Death anniversaries of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Jor Mela) and Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be observed on June 16 and 29, respectively, in Lahore,' Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Ghulam Mohayuddin said. 'For both events, Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, are invited,' he added. The EPTB is a statutory board that manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs who had migrated to India following the partition. According to the schedule the ETPB issued, the main religious ceremony, including the Bhog Akhand Path Sahib ritual, will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. The main ceremony at the samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be held on June 29. Last year, over 800 and 450 Sikhs had come to Pakistan to attend the two events, respectively. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ETPB announces Sikh pilgrimage schedule despite Pakistan-India tensions
Listen to article The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has announced the schedule for two major Sikh religious events to be held in Pakistan this month, despite ongoing tensions and the continued suspension of cross-border movement between India and Pakistan. According to the official schedule, the death anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Jor Mela) will be commemorated on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be observed on June 29 at his samadhi, also located in Lahore. Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including India, have been invited to attend. However, due to strained diplomatic ties, India is unlikely to issue the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Indian pilgrims to travel to Pakistan, according to sources. Pakistan has expressed its readiness to facilitate cross-border pilgrimage. The ETPB has finalised all necessary arrangements for potential arrivals, including security, accommodation, and transportation across key religious sites. If India grants travel permissions, the first group of pilgrims is expected to arrive on foot via the Wagah Border on Monday, June 9. The group will begin their pilgrimage at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and visit local gurdwaras during a two-day stay. The pilgrims will then proceed to Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, followed by a visit to Hassan Abdal on June 11. They are scheduled to stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on June 12 and are expected to visit the nearby shrine of Muslim saint Baba Wali Qandhari. On June 13, the group will travel to Narowal to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, staying until June 14. They will proceed to Lahore via Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad on June 15. The main religious ceremony for Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom, including the Bhog Akhand Path Sahib ritual, will be held on June 16 at Gurdwara Dera Sahib. Pilgrims will remain in Lahore on June 17 and return to India via Wagah on June 18. A second group of Indian pilgrims is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, June 22, for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They will begin their visit in Nankana Sahib on June 23 before travelling to Hassan Abdal via Farooqabad on June 24. The group will stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on June 25, visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on June 26–27, and travel to Lahore on June 28. The main ceremony at the samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will take place on June 29, featuring the Bhog Akhand Path Sahib. Pilgrims will spend June 30 in Lahore and depart for India on July 1, 2025. ETPB officials said all arrangements have been made to ensure a secure, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims, contingent on Indian approval for cross-border travel.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Dibrugarh Sikh community observes Shaheedi Diwas with Chabeel & prayers
Dibrugarh: Sikh community in Dibrugarh observed Shaheedi Diwas, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, with prayers and the traditional distribution of Chabeel (a sweetened cold drink) at the historic Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara on AT Road. Hundreds of devotees participated in the commemoration, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the fifth Sikh Guru. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured to death on the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir on June 16, 1606, for refusing to convert to Islam. His unwavering faith and sacrifice are remembered through devotional prayers and the centuries-old tradition of serving Chabeel — symbolising his suffering under the scorching sun during his torture. Sardar Gurdev Singh, president of the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara committee, said, "Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom teaches us patience, sacrifice, and steadfastness in faith. By distributing Chabeel, we not only honour his suffering but also spread the message of selfless service, just as Guru Ji devoted himself to humanity." Throughout the day, the Gurdwara witnessed a steady stream of devotees attending Akhand Path (continuous scripture reading) and Ardas (prayers) in tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cantanhede: Quanto vale a sua casa? Descubra agora! Valor da casa | Anúncios de pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo Volunteers prepared large quantities of Chabeel — a refreshing drink made with milk, sugar, and rose water — and offered it to pedestrians, bus passengers, and commuters outside the Gurdwara. "Every year, we serve Chabeel to hundreds of people. This is our way of keeping Guru Ji's teachings alive — serving others with love and humility," said Simmi Kaur, a volunteer. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) holds a revered place in Sikh history. He compiled the Adi Granth, the first official version of Sikh scriptures, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib. He also laid the foundation for the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar and established the concept of langar (community kitchen), which continues to provide free meals to all.
