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Limited Sikh Jatha Crosses Into Pakistan in First Post-Conflict Border Visit

With Wagah reopened on special visas for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary, tight rules still left some travelers turned back.

Overview

  • More than 2,000 visas were issued and roughly 1,800–1,900 Indian Sikh pilgrims crossed at Wagah for Parkash Purb events, the first significant people-to-people movement since May.
  • New Delhi permitted only Indian citizens to join the SGPC-led jatha after initially refusing travel, excluding NRIs and tightening paperwork requirements.
  • Pakistani officials received the group in Lahore and arranged transport to Nankana Sahib, with authorities citing “foolproof” security and dedicated medical support.
  • Reports from Indian media said some travelers, including Hindu devotees, were stopped from boarding buses or denied onward access, prompting complaints and highlighting ongoing restrictions.
  • The itinerary includes ceremonies at Nankana Sahib and visits to other shrines during a 10-day stay, with pilgrims expected to return around November 13 and the Kartarpur Corridor still shut to visa-free travel.