India Bans Sikh Entry to Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary

Tensions have escalated as India has banned the entry of Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan for the upcoming Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary, scheduled for June 30. This move has cast uncertainty over the visit of around 500 Sikh devotees, who were expected to participate in the annual religious observance.

Security sources allege that the Indian government is deliberately targeting its Sikh population as part of a broader campaign against Pakistan. According to these sources, the Modi administration imposed the travel ban on May 7, 2025, halting Sikh entry into Pakistan and even closing the Kartarpur Corridor, a critical religious passage for Sikh pilgrims.

Reports from security officials claim that India has previously targeted Sikh-majority areas during periods of aggression and attempted to damage their religious sites. India also launched missiles in Amritsar to provoke anti-Pakistan sentiments among Sikhs, and of making a failed drone attack on the sacred Sikh site of Nankana Sahib, allegedly trying to frame Pakistan for it.

Security and defense analysts assert that India has long exploited anti-Sikh sentiment for political ends. They argue that Prime Minister Modi’s discriminatory policies have alienated not only Muslims but also the Sikh community within India.

Under the 1950 bilateral agreement, Sikh pilgrims are permitted to visit Pakistan for four major religious events: the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Baisakhi (the founding of the Khalsa Panth), and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary. Analysts note that the increasing closeness between Sikhs and Pakistan is proving to be a significant concern for the Indian government.

Read More: Pakistan, India Exchange Prisoners at Wagah-Attari Border Post