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First Indian Sikh Pilgrims Cross Into Pakistan Since May Conflict for Guru Nanak Observances

Access returns on a limited basis, featuring special visas from Pakistan alongside a citizens-only jatha approved by India.

Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing point, to participate in celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing point, to participate in celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing point, to participate in celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, near Lahore,pakistan Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan through the Wagah border crossing point, to participate in celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Overview

  • Roughly 2,000 to 2,100 Indian Sikhs entered Pakistan via Wagah-Attari on November 4, the first major people-to-people crossing since the May hostilities.
  • Pilgrims arrived in Lahore and are scheduled to visit Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur and other historic gurdwaras before returning to India around November 13.
  • Pakistan reopened the Wagah crossing and granted more than 2,100 special visas, with officials welcoming the group with flowers and rose petals.
  • India initially declined permission citing security concerns, then authorized a limited, symbolic jatha restricted to Indian citizens only, according to SGPC and official reports.
  • Pakistani authorities announced security and medical arrangements for the 10-day observances, while the separate Kartarpur Corridor remains closed since the May conflict.