Politicisation Of Pilgrimage? Pakistan Defends Move To Stop 300 Indian Pilgrims At Border

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 16:51 IST

Pakistan insists it continues to facilitate religious tourism, pointing out that it has issued more than 2,100 visas to Indian citizens this year, even after Operation Sindoor

Sources said around 304 visa-holding pilgrims, both Hindus and Sikhs, were turned back. (PTI)

Pakistan found itself on the defensive on Wednesday after reports emerged that more than 300 Indian Hindu and Sikh pilgrims were denied entry at the border despite holding valid visas to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib.

Islamabad has rejected criticism, insisting that the pilgrims were stopped due to “security and documentation concerns." A senior immigration intelligence official told CNN-News18 that “the individuals failed to produce sufficient documentation and could not convincingly establish their purpose to participate in the event".

However, Indian officials dismissed the claims as propaganda and an attempt to politicise a religious occasion. New Delhi maintains that Pakistani visas are issued only after thorough security vetting, and the last-minute denial of entry amounts to an unnecessary provocation.

Sources said around 304 visa-holding pilgrims, both Hindus and Sikhs, were turned back, while about 1,800 Indian Sikhs were allowed smooth passage through the Wagah Border. India has sought clarification from Pakistan, calling the incident “deeply regrettable" and contrary to the spirit of the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974).

Pakistan, meanwhile, insists it continues to facilitate religious tourism, pointing out that it has issued more than 2,100 visas to Indian citizens this year, even after recent tensions and the Operation Sindoor conflict in May. The Punjab government in Pakistan said in a statement that it is “hosting all Hindus and Sikhs gracefully and graciously in Nankana Sahib" and described the country as “the second home of Hindu-Sikhs".

The controversy has cast a shadow over what is usually a moment of interfaith harmony. Officials said pilgrims from Canada, the United States, the UK, Australia, and Europe were able to attend the celebrations without difficulty, adding to questions about why Indian visa-holders were singled out.

As the festivities proceed, Islamabad’s explanation continues to face scrutiny, with Indian authorities asserting that the move reflects politicisation of a sacred religious event rather than legitimate security vetting.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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