**Title:** Controversy Erupts Over Sikh Pilgrimage Ban to Pakistan
**Meta Description:** Punjab’s Sikh pilgrimage groups face a ban on visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab, sparking political and religious backlash.
**URL Slug:** sikh-pilgrimage-ban-pakistan
**Headline:** Punjab’s Sikh Pilgrimage Groups Barred from Visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab
A recent advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ignited controversy in Punjab, as Sikh pilgrimage groups, known as jathas, have been prohibited from traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in November. Dated September 12, the advisory cites security concerns and heightened tensions with Pakistan, particularly in light of recent incidents such as the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
This restriction comes at a time when sporting ties between India and Pakistan are being revived, notably with the Asia Cup 2025 cricket match held on September 14 in Dubai. The juxtaposition of these events has led many leaders and organizations to question the prioritization of cricket over religious sentiments, directly impacting thousands of devotees who traditionally visit sacred sites like Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib during Gurpurab.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann publicly condemned the advisory during a press conference in Chandigarh, pointing out what he perceives as inconsistencies in the government’s approach to religious and sporting exchanges with Pakistan. Mann criticized the central government for its “double standards,” questioning why Sikh devotees are restricted while cricket matches continue. “If cricket matches with Pakistan can take place, then why are Sikh devotees being stopped from visiting Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib?” he stated.
Mann emphasized the importance of devotion over politics and sports, asserting that sacred sites should not be compared to platforms for sporting or business interests. His sentiments were echoed by opposition parties and Sikh religious leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal. Badal urged Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the advisory, highlighting the potential harm to religious sentiments among Sikh pilgrims eager to pay homage at Sri Nankana Sahib during this auspicious occasion.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of this restriction on the Sikh community, with statements indicating that preventing pilgrims from visiting these sacred sites would deeply hurt their religious feelings. Badal further called for the reopening of cross-border religious routes, advocating for the Kartarpur Corridor to be accessible for those wishing to pay their respects at Sri Kartarpur Sahib.
Additionally, Shiromani Akali Dal Vice President and former minister Daljeet Cheema expressed that the denial of permission for Sikh jathas to visit Pakistan is a significant blow to religious sentiments, reflecting misplaced priorities in the current political climate.
In conclusion, the ban on Sikh pilgrimage groups traveling to Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab has sparked significant backlash from political and religious leaders in Punjab, raising questions about the government’s priorities regarding religious freedom and international relations.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why are Sikh pilgrimage groups banned from visiting Pakistan?**
A: The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the ban due to security concerns and rising tensions with Pakistan, citing recent incidents that have heightened these issues.