Pilgrimage Cancelled, But Pakistan’s Doors to Faith Remain Open

In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan stands as a country that continues to uphold its commitment to religious freedom, minority rights, and regional peace, even in the face of growing hostility and political challenges.  The cancellation of Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan this year is the best evidence of how the interference can spoil the efforts to achieve people-to-people contact and spiritual harmony even in case of the diplomatic relations affected by the political conflict with India.

Each year, hundreds of Indian Sikh religious persons visit Pakistan to commemorate the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a famous Sikh king that died through a just and accommodating leadership.  His last resting place Samadhi in Lahore is one of the numerous holy sites in Pakistan which is held in high esteem especially by the Sikh community.  In spite of the present political obstacles the Sikh pilgrims have been cordially and honorably accommodated in Pakistan.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has just declared that the pilgrimage for this year would not be taking place because of the increased border tensions and worries of violence.  The SGPC has stressed the importance of devotee safety, but the true sorrow is that individuals have lost the opportunity to have a meaningful religious experience due to the increasing hostilities.

Pakistan has been very forthcoming in terms of taking care of Sikh history as compared to its neighbor.  Pakistan has even gone to such great extents as conserving Nankana Sahib where Guru Nanak was born and also opening Kartarpur Sahib as recently as 2019 as part of the Kartarpur Corridor agreement.  The government has returned gurdwaras, it has made visitor easier through eliminating the need to have a visa and has ensured that holy places are preserved all through actions and not just through words.

Pakistan issued more than 500 visas to Indian Sikhs so they could attend the Lahore festival last year.  In spite of internal strife, the Pakistani government graciously extended security, hospitality, and access.  This year’s plans were similar up until the SGPC withdrew, claiming dangers associated with assaults in Kashmir under Indian administration and subsequent military actions.

People who love peace and are on pilgrimages should not have to suffer, but the issue is why.  Everybody from the government to civil society to regular residents in Pakistan has always been in favor of talking things out and keeping tensions at bay.  Pilgrimage is more than a religious observance; it conveys a strong message of unity and compassion.  Reducing the likelihood of future peace in the area by postponing such trips in response to growing nationalism and retribution abroad is a poor choice.

Pakistan has been a steadfast advocate for the preservation of all religious minorities, in addition to its hospitality.  With the guarantee of equal rights and freedom of worship in the Constitution, Pakistan continues to be a place where Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others live and practice their faiths.  While there are difficulties in any nation, Pakistan has sought religious peace by promoting tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence.  Many religious holidays are now publicly celebrated with governmental assistance, and the government has implemented social and legal changes to safeguard the rights of minorities. This is in contrast to several nearby policies that have been under fire for marginalizing minority groups on a worldwide scale as of late.  Pakistan, on the other hand, has welcomed a wide variety of people, including pilgrims, refugees, displaced people, and those just looking for a safe place to live.

The protest due to a recent event in India, in which a Sikh boy claims to have had a slipper thrown at him, hitting his turban, indicates the shaky position of minority rights in India.  The need to have a public debate that is marked with empathy, respect and tolerance is reflected by the fact that SGPC strongly condemned the act terming it as an offence against the feelings of Sikhs all over the world.  Pakistan has come out to condemn such violence and people of all generations are being asked to treat one another with dignity and compassion.  Belonging to a religion is a positive thing and not a hindrance in this regard.

One must remember that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spent the bulk of his life in what is today Pakistan.  Pakistan has striven to preserve his ideals in its religious and social policies, which lay emphasis on unity, compassion and equality.  In the cities and villages of Pakistan that have kept his message alive, pilgrims hail world-wide to retrace his steps.

In spite of the fact that global confrontations are at an all-time high, Pakistan is adamant in its belief that religion can make people come together, regardless of political aspects.  It is a country that does not consider its religious freedom and archaic ties that people of this land have to their ancestors.  It is a pity that the pilgrimage will not be held this year nevertheless, the fact is that, Pakistan has been always open-armed to its visitors.

It is optimism that says that the future lies in understanding and harmony.  The people of Pakistan persist in fighting for religious and cultural tolerance, and the country has already demonstrated compassion by building corridors of compassion like Kartarpur. Now is the time for border political leaders to react openly and respectfully, rather than aggressively.