ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Foreign Office has categorically dismissed recent Indian media reports alleging that Pakistani authorities blocked members of the Hindu community from entering the country on religious grounds, asserting that such claims are “baseless” and part of an effort to politicize administrative procedures.
In a statement, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan strongly refutes the misleading reports claiming Hindus were prevented from participating in the Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji birth anniversary celebrations scheduled from November 4-13.
He explained that the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi issued over 2,400 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the event, and on November 4, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border.
Andrabi noted that approximately 300 visa holders faced restrictions from Indian authorities and were unable to cross. However, he clarified that the immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth, well-organized, and free of any hindrance. A small number of individuals with incomplete documentation or unsatisfactory responses were asked to return to India, in line with standard procedures.
He emphasized that the reports describing these administrative measures as religious restrictions are “completely incorrect and mischievous,” reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding policy of welcoming pilgrims of all faiths through a well-established framework.”The actions taken were purely administrative and within Pakistan’s sovereign rights to regulate entry,” he stated. “Any attempt to frame this issue as a religious or communal matter is regrettable and reflects the prejudiced mindset increasingly prevalent in Indian government and media narratives.”
Pakistan also welcomed dozens of Sikh pilgrims from India on Tuesday, marking the first significant cross-border movement since the border closure following deadly clashes in May. Over 2,100 pilgrims were granted visas to attend a 10-day festival commemorating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi remain high after intense clashes in May, the worst since 1999, which resulted in multiple casualties. Following the violence, the Wagah-Attari border—the only active land crossing—was closed to general traffic, and the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free route opened in 2019 for Indian Sikhs to visit the holy site, has remained shut.
