Delhi Akali Dal chief writes to Shah, seeks approval for jatha to visit Nankana Sahib

Delhi Shiromani Akali Dal chief Paramjeet Singh Sarna on Monday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requersting him to reconsider the refusal of Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan for Guru Nanak’s Parkash Purb.

“I write to you with deep concern over the Union Government’s decision, reportedly conveyed in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ letter dated September 12, 2025, denying permission for the Sikh jatha to visit Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, on the sacred occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib’s Parkash Gurpurb this November,” the letter mentioned.

For generations, Sikh pilgrims have undertaken these journeys with devotion, under the framework of the Nehru–Liaquat Pact of 1950, which explicitly provides for Sikh visits to Pakistan’s holy shrines on at least four significant occasions, the most significant of them being the Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Sahib, Sarna said.

The decision to withhold permission this year, citing the current security situation, departs from this long-standing practice and has caused profound anguish among devotees, he added.

“With due respect, I submit that selective restrictions cannot be justified. When India and Pakistan continue to hold cricket matches despite tensions, it is difficult to comprehend why religious pilgrims should be denied their spiritual right to bow their heads at the Janam Asthaan of the founder of Sikhi. Faith and tradition cannot be held hostage to political calculations. I fully acknowledge the government’s concern for the safety of its citizens,” Sarna added.

However, it would be fair to allow the pilgrims to proceed at their own risk, as has been the practice in other sensitive situations where individuals voluntarily assume responsibility for their safety.

“I appeal to your good office to immediately review this matter and issue the necessary permission for the jatha to travel. Such a step would reaffirm the government’s commitment to religious freedom. We also urge you to lift the restrictions on pilgrimages to Sri Kartarpur Sahib via the cross-border corridor,” Sarna demanded.