104 Pakistani Sikh pilgrims travelling to India held up at Faisalabad Airport

A group of 104 Pakistani Sikh pilgrims en route to India to visit revered Sikh shrines faced a significant setback at Faisalabad Airport in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The pilgrims, who were scheduled to visit notable religious sites such as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and others across India, arrived at the airport on Friday evening, prepared to begin their journey.

However, their travel plans were abruptly halted after immigration authorities questioned their clearance documents. The pilgrims were initially denied permission to cross the Wagah-Attari land border and had purchased flight tickets as an alternative. Despite possessing valid visas issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the Pakistani Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers at Faisalabad Airport required additional documents: a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistani government, the Home Department, and the Foreign Department.

The pilgrims endured an arduous night at the airport, spending 12 hours from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am in prayer while awaiting resolution. They questioned the necessity of extra clearance, pointing out that they had been granted permission to buy expensive tickets previously. A young pilgrim expressed frustration, stating, "We possess valid visas...

Why were we not given clear prior notice of any mandatory additional NOC? If government clearance was required, why were we allowed to purchase tickets in the first place? Religion and pilgrimage should remain separate from political disputes."

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the delegation leaders urgently sought support from prominent Indian Sikh leaders. These include Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Harjinder Singh Dhami, and President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Harmeet Singh Kalka. They urged these influential figures to intervene with Pakistani authorities on their behalf.

Indian Sikh leaders, notably Harjinder Singh Dhami, voiced strong disapproval of the incident. Dhami condemned the action as "deeply disappointing," asserting, "Stopping the pilgrims is extremely unfortunate. These Sikh pilgrims, who already possess valid visas from the Indian government, should have been allowed to pass through the Wagah border. If land entry was restricted, they should have been permitted to fly. Denying them travel is a hurtful blow to the religious sentiments of the community."

Despite the pilgrims' distress, Pakistani authorities have yet to release an official statement outlining the precise regulations that prompted the demand for the NOC.