India Allows Sikhs to Visit Nankana Sahib with Caveats

The Indian union government has revoked its 12 Sep ban and now allowed the Sikh jatha (group) to visit Pakistan in November to mark the Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of the first Sikh Sovereign, Guru Nanak. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 Sep, urging the government to reconsider and allow the devotees to visit Nankana Sahib and other historic shrines in Pakistan. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, 'The government’s decision is both timely and commendable.' He also appealed to the Bharatiya Janata Party‑led union government to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting Jathedar (leader) of Akal Takht, also welcomed the decision while stressing that pilgrimages to Pakistan strengthen communal harmony and foster peace in the region. Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee also hailed the union government for allowing the jatha to Pakistan. All India Congress Committee’s secretary and Panjab Member of Legislative Assembly Pargat Singh said, 'This decision reaffirms that politics cannot confine faith. The union government has finally listened to the voice of Sikh tradition and collective devotion. It proves that Sikh sentiments cannot be sidelined. This is about the dignity of our traditions and the right of every Sikh to bow their head at sacred shrines.' However, in the letter accompanying the decision, the union government has imposed new rules on pilgrims. Earlier, the Sikh institutions could directly file visa applications with the Pakistan High Commission. Now only those applications will be processed which meet the union government's approval. Panjab police and other state agencies shall vet the documents. Action under Section 19 of Passport Act 1967 can be taken against anyone violating the new rules. Meanwhile, SGPC has launched a coordination center in Birmingham, UK, along with the Khalsa Panth Academy. The aim is to facilitate seamless spiritual visits for devotees and strengthen connections with Sikh institutions. The center will ensure that visiting devotees from Europe and UK have access to necessary facilities like accommodation and travel arrangements when visiting Panjab's Gurdwaras (earlier coverage).