Indian Sikh pilgrims laud Pakistan’s hospitality, seek reopening of Kartarpur Corridor

Guru Arjan Dev Ji's 420th martyrdom anniversary was jointly observed by Pakistani, Indian Sikh pilgrims after 14 years

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Indian Sikh pilgrims who visited Pakistan for the 420th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the annual Jor Mela returned home on Friday, praising Pakistan’s hospitality and religious freedom while calling for greater people-to-people contact between Pakistan and India.

The commemorations were jointly observed by Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and India for the first time in 14 years, following the resolution of long-standing issues related to the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary.

The pilgrims were seen off at the Wagah border by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Qamaruz-Zaman, and ETPB Shrines Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Arora said Pakistan would always welcome the Sikh community with open arms.

“The pilgrims are returning with memories of love, hospitality and religious respect,” he said.

Arora said Pakistan had consistently ensured dignity, religious freedom and equal rights for Sikhs and other minority communities, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding their interests.

He also urged Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to engage the Indian government to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor, describing it as an important avenue for promoting religious harmony and strengthening people-to-people contact.

Read: Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Pakistan for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s 420th martyrdom anniversary

The nearly three-kilometre corridor provides visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life. The passage links Narowal district in Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur, India, and was completed in 11 months.

Arora said the corridor served as a bridge of peace and understanding between the two countries and allowed Sikh pilgrims from around the world to perform their religious obligations without hindrance.

He added that work was underway to restore and reopen more than 70 historic gurdwaras across Pakistan, with restoration already under way at 17 sites in the first phase.

He also expressed regret over restrictions imposed on Sikh pilgrims from Haryana seeking to visit Pakistan.

ETPB Chairman Qamaruz-Zaman said comprehensive arrangements had been made for accommodation, transport, food and security.

He said Pakistan had always conveyed a message of peace, love and brotherhood, adding that all minorities in the country enjoyed full religious freedom.

ETPB Shrines Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq said it was significant that the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji had been observed jointly after a gap of 14 years.

He added that another Sikh delegation was expected to arrive in Pakistan on June 21 for the death anniversary commemoration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Leader of the visiting Indian delegation, Sardar Bhupinder Singh, thanked the authorities for the arrangements and said the pilgrims were returning with cherished memories.

Read more: Sikh pilgrims head home after Vaisakhi festival praising Pakistani hospitality 

He said Pakistan was “the land of our Gurus” and expressed hope for continued religious visits and exchanges.

Pilgrims Harpreet Kaur and Manpreet Kaur said they had initially arrived with apprehensions, but their concerns were dispelled by the warmth and hospitality they experienced.

They said they never felt like strangers during their 10-day stay and were welcomed everywhere with openness and respect.

The pilgrims expressed hope that religious tourism and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and India would continue to expand, helping improve mutual understanding and contribute to regional peace.