Pakistan's gesture betrays Guru Nanak’s teachings
The Tribune Editorial: 12 devotees, carrying valid visas, were stopped at Wagah with the words, “You are Hindus — you can’t go with Sikhs.”
IN an indefensible act of bigotry, Pakistan turned away a group of Hindu pilgrims who were part of a Sikh jatha visiting Nankana Sahib for Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. The 12 devotees, carrying valid visas, were stopped at Wagah with the words, “You are Hindus — you can’t go with Sikhs.” It was a line that stripped bare Islamabad’s hollow rhetoric of interfaith respect and exposed the theocratic mindset that still governs its institutions. Both Hindus and Sikhs hold Guru Nanak as their spiritual guide. His teachings transcend religious boundaries — preaching equality, compassion and the unity of humankind. By refusing entry to Hindu followers, Pakistan has insulted not just the pilgrims, but also the universality of Guru Nanak’s message itself. Faith, after all, does not come stamped with a religion or passport.
