In spite of ongoing tensions with India, a group of 300 Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor to perform religious rituals at one of Sikhism’s holiest sites.
The visiting pilgrims, while speaking to media, revealed that they had been warned and discouraged from visiting Pakistan. “We were repeatedly told not to travel to Pakistan—that we would be harmed. But we said, death can come anywhere, and still we came to Kartarpur,” said one pilgrim.
The pilgrims expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality and peace they experienced in Pakistan. “The people of Pakistan are loving and peaceful. It is the Indian media that spreads fear and misinformation about Pakistan,” another pilgrim stated.
It is worth mentioning that following the Pahalgam false flag episode, India had unilaterally suspended entry for Pakistanis. However, in a gesture of goodwill, Pakistan continued to honour its visa-free access policy for Sikh pilgrims under the Kartarpur Corridor agreement, exempting them from the visa suspension.
The arrival of Sikh pilgrims amid strained diplomatic relations highlights Pakistan’s commitment to religious freedom and its efforts to promote peace and interfaith harmony.
