A Symbolic Step Toward Peace
In a significant gesture of goodwill, Pakistan has reopened its border to Indian Sikh pilgrims for the first time since the deadly cross-border clashes in May. More than 2,100 Sikh devotees were welcomed this week to attend the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and one of the most revered figures in South Asia.
The pilgrims entered Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border, which had been closed following one of the worst escalations between the two nuclear-armed nations since 1999. The move, Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi said, reflects Islamabad’s commitment to promoting “interreligious and intercultural harmony and understanding.”
Pilgrims Gather at Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur
The visiting Sikh pilgrims will participate in a 10-day religious festival, beginning at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak’s birthplace near Lahore. They will also visit Kartarpur Sahib, where the Guru spent his final years and is buried.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free route opened in 2019, remains temporarily closed following May’s conflict. However, Pakistan has facilitated special arrangements to ensure devotees can still access their sacred sites under a secure and peaceful environment.
From Conflict to Compassion
The reopening of the border follows a tense period in bilateral relations. In May, Pakistan and India engaged in four days of intense clashes, leaving more than 70 people dead. The violence erupted after New Delhi accused Islamabad of supporting an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir — a claim Pakistan firmly denied.
Despite the strained political climate, the current move has been widely praised as a humanitarian and diplomatic gesture, emphasizing the shared cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
Faith Beyond Borders
Sikhism, founded in the 15th century in Punjab, bridges the people of modern-day India and Pakistan through a shared heritage. While most Sikhs migrated to India after Partition in 1947, Pakistan remains home to several of Sikhism’s holiest shrines.
By reopening its doors to Sikh pilgrims, Pakistan has sent a message of religious tolerance, peace, and regional cooperation — a small but meaningful step toward healing decades of division.
