The central government on Thursday granted permission for Sikh jathas (pilgrim groups) to visit Pakistan for the upcoming Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev, to be observed in November.
The decision follows growing pressure from political leaders and Sikh organisations in Punjab, who had urged the Union government to allow pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. November marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and is celebrated with devotion by Sikhs across the world.
The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and India’s subsequent response, ‘Operation Sindoor’. The four-day conflict led to the worst
cross-border violence in decades.
Pilgrimages had been suspended in the wake of the operation. However, the government has now granted approval for the jathas to travel, subject to strict security conditions.
According to News18 Hindi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued detailed guidelines to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and to address any security concerns during the cross-border journey.
The pilgrims are expected to visit several historic gurdwaras in Pakistan, including the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. The shrine remains a major spiritual site for Sikhs worldwide and is the main destination for the jathas.
However, since May, India has kept its side of the Kartarpur Corridor closed indefinitely due to rising tensions with Pakistan. While Pakistan has kept its side open, the corridor cannot function without cooperation from both sides.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free border crossing, links Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, India, with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The suspension currently prevents movement from the Indian side.
Further details regarding the size of the jatha, travel dates, and logistical arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
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