Nankana Sahib (Tassawar News) The decision by the Government of India to deny visas to Sikh pilgrims intending to visit Pakistan for the observance of the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji has been met with profound disappointment and strong criticism from Pakistani officials, most notably the Punjab Information Minister, Azma Bukhari. Her remarks, delivered from Nankana Sahib—the birthplace of Guru Nanak and a site of immense spiritual significance—underscore a critical point of friction in the already complex India-Pakistan relationship, specifically concerning the fundamental right to religious freedom and pilgrimage.
Official Statement and Condemnation by Azma Bukhari
Speaking to the media, Minister Bukhari articulated the Pakistani Punjab government’s deep regret regarding the visa denial. Her comments framed the issue not merely as a diplomatic spat, but as an infringement on the basic religious rights of the Sikh faithful.
“India’s refusal to grant visas to Sikh pilgrims is a regrettable act, emphasizing that visiting sacred religious sites is the fundamental right of every believer.”
This strong language highlights the perceived violation of a deeply cherished tradition where Sikh jathas (pilgrim groups) from India historically travel to their holy sites in Pakistan under the framework of the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974. The denial, particularly for an event as central as the Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of the founder of their faith, is seen as a direct affront to the religious sentiments of the global Sikh community.
The Minister also took the opportunity to detail the extensive preparations made by the Punjab government in Pakistan to ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for the pilgrims. She confirmed that the main event for the birth anniversary celebrations would be held on November 5th, and that all logistical and administrative arrangements would be finalized a full five days prior, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage.
“The Punjab government, she said, is fully prepared to host and facilitate Sikh pilgrims arriving from around the world… The Punjab government will warmly welcome all visiting pilgrims.”
This emphasis on preparedness serves as a subtle, yet potent, contrast to the Indian government’s restrictive action. It reinforces the narrative that the doors of the sacred sites in Pakistan, such as Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, remain open to all devotees, irrespective of political tensions.
Context of the Visa Denial: Security Concerns and Bilateral Tensions
While Minister Bukhari’s statement focused on the regrettable nature of the decision, the Indian government’s reasoning, as reported, centred on “prevailing security concerns” in the region. The denial of permission for the jatha to cross the border is often correlated with the heightened security reviews that follow periods of diplomatic strain and reported cross-border activities.
This reliance on “security” as a justification, however, has often been met with scepticism and counter-arguments by various stakeholders, including opposition leaders and religious bodies in India. They frequently point out the apparent “double standards” in allowing commercial and sporting engagements—such as cricket matches—to proceed, while simultaneously blocking a purely religious and humanitarian pilgrimage.
The issue of the pilgrimage is a matter of religious obligation for Sikhs, many of whom have ancestral ties to the region of West Punjab, where their most sacred sites are now located following the Partition of 1947. These sites include:
- Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib: The birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur: Where Guru Nanak spent his final years.
- Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal: Believed to hold the handprint of Guru Nanak.
The temporary closure of access, even for a major religious festival, thus deeply wounds the community’s spiritual connection to its heritage.
Exemplifying Good Governance in Punjab, Pakistan
In a notable shift of focus during her address, Minister Bukhari interlaced her condemnation of the Indian visa policy with an endorsement of the local government’s effectiveness. She praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s model of good governance as a “shining example of efficient administration.”
This reference serves multiple purposes:
- Highlighting Administrative Efficiency: It provides concrete examples of the Punjab government’s dedication to public service, such as ensuring “excellent arrangements for every religious occasion” (including the planned arrangements for the Sikh jatha).
- Demonstrating Public Welfare Focus: The Minister specifically mentioned the distribution of Flood Relief Cards as another “significant step for public welfare.” This detail aims to convey a government that is not only competent in managing routine affairs but also highly responsive to crises, such as the recent flood events that affected parts of the province, including areas near the Kartarpur Corridor.
“Concluding her remarks, Bukhari said the Punjab government will warmly welcome all visiting pilgrims, noting that timely action during recent floods prevented major losses.”
This dual focus—regret over the international incident coupled with pride in domestic achievements—is characteristic of official statements designed to project both moral high ground in foreign affairs and administrative competence at home.
The Implication for People-to-People Contact
The visa denial significantly impedes people-to-people contact—a critical mechanism for building trust and easing tensions between India and Pakistan. Religious pilgrimages, under the 1974 Protocol, are one of the very few formal channels that allow large-scale civilian movement across the heavily militarized border.
When such spiritual conduits are closed, the broader message is that the political hostility between the two nations supersedes the humanitarian and religious needs of the people. This is particularly poignant for the Sikh community, which has long advocated for the unfettered access to its holy places. The restriction perpetuates a cycle where geopolitical realities constantly override cultural and spiritual imperatives.
Conclusion: A Call for Unrestricted Religious Passage
Minister Azma Bukhari’s statement is a clear articulation of the Pakistani perspective, emphasizing that religious pilgrimage is a fundamental and inalienable right that should be decoupled from political discord. By underscoring the preparedness of the Punjab administration and commending its effective governance, she aimed to cast Pakistan as the welcoming host, ready to uphold the spirit of the bilateral protocol. The regret expressed is a powerful indicator of the disappointment felt when the politics of the Subcontinent disrupt spiritual journeys. The overarching desire, shared by many on both sides, is for the establishment of a reliable, unhindered corridor for faith, ensuring that all believers can pay homage at their sacred sites without the fear of political obstruction.
