Chandigarh, Oct 3 — Sikh institutions and leaders on Thursday welcomed the central government’s decision to permit a jatha (group) of pilgrims to travel to Nankana Sahib and other historic shrines in Pakistan for the upcoming Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev.
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the earlier denial of permission on September 12 had deeply upset the community. “That decision had hurt Sikh sentiments. Every Sikh yearns to visit the birthplace of Guru Nanak at Nankana Sahib, and devotees worldwide mark his Parkash Gurpurb with devotion,” he said.
Calling the annual pilgrimage a vital tradition, Gargaj added that such visits not only hold spiritual meaning but also foster understanding. “Sikh jathas must continue to visit gurdwaras in Pakistan regularly as this helps strengthen communal harmony and improve relations between the two nations,” he noted. “Peace and stability in the region require good relations between India and Pakistan. Both countries should also open trade routes for each other.”
The jathedar praised the efforts of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and various Sikh leaders who lobbied the government to reverse its earlier stance. He also pressed for reopening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which has remained closed since Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami echoed the appeal, urging the government to restore access.
DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka also lauded the clearance, saying it had restored faith among devotees.
Political leaders welcomed the step as well. “This decision reaffirms that politics cannot confine faith,” said Congress MLA and AICC secretary Pargat Singh. “The central 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.”
Pargat Singh further remarked that the restriction had been unjustified. “If cricket matches can be played between India and Pakistan even amidst political tensions, then denying Sikh jathas the right to pay obeisance at Nankana Sahib or other shrines was indefensible,” he said.
With the green signal in place, Sikh organisations said they now hope future pilgrimages will proceed without interruption and the Kartarpur Corridor will soon be reopened.
