Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has strongly dismissed reports by Indian media alleging that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into Pakistan on religious grounds during celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Foreign Office called the claims “misleading, baseless, and politically motivated.”
FO Clarifies Entry Was Denied on Administrative, Not Religious, Grounds
In an official statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that the allegations were entirely false and an attempt to politicize a routine administrative matter.
“Pakistan categorically rejects the unfounded and misleading allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into its territory,” he said.
Andrabi clarified that the issue was purely procedural, emphasizing that Pakistan had facilitated thousands of pilgrims for the event.
According to the FO, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi issued over 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the Guru Nanak birth anniversary celebrations held from November 4–13. Out of these, 1,932 pilgrims successfully entered Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border on November 4.
However, the spokesperson noted that around 300 visa holders were stopped by Indian authorities from crossing into Pakistan. On Pakistan’s side, the immigration process remained “smooth, orderly, and free of any hindrance.” A small number of individuals with incomplete documentation were asked to return to India, following standard immigration procedures.
Andrabi described Indian media reports as “completely incorrect and mischievous,” reiterating that Pakistan’s decision was administrative, not religious.
“Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit its sacred religious sites under a well-established and facilitative framework,” he added.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Harmony and Pilgrim Access
The FO underscored Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and facilitating access to religious sites for all communities.
“Any attempt to give this issue a communal or political colour is regrettable and reflects the prejudiced mindset dominating Indian government and media narratives,” Andrabi concluded.
The visit coincided with the arrival of over 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India, marking the first major crossing since border clashes in May forced the temporary closure of the Wagah-Attari border. Despite continued tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, Pakistan reaffirmed that it remains open to religious visitors, consistent with its long-standing tradition of hosting pilgrims of all faiths under the Kartarpur Corridor and other bilateral arrangements.
