Amritsar (Rajesh Sandhu): The Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan has brought renewed attention to Sikh religious travel between India and Pakistan. The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, welcomed the Sikh jatha scheduled to visit Pakistan on June 10.
He also thanked both the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan for allowing the pilgrimage after a long gap of 14 years.
Sikh Pilgrimage Resumes After Long Gap
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that under the 1974 agreement between India and Pakistan, Sikh jathas are allowed to visit religious shrines in Pakistan every year. However, he noted that the last jatha for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary visited Pakistan in June 2013.
Therefore, the resumption of this pilgrimage holds deep emotional and religious importance for the Sikh community worldwide.
The Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan highlights the significance of restoring these spiritual connections after more than a decade.
Importance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Martyrdom Site
The Jathedar emphasized that the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji took place in Lahore. As a result, he said it is essential for the Khalsa Panth to gather there annually and pay respects through religious ceremonies.
Furthermore, he stated that such gatherings strengthen Sikh faith and preserve historical memory.
He added that Sikh devotees should be able to perform prayers and religious services at these sacred sites without interruption.
Kartarpur Corridor Closure Raises Concern
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also expressed concern over the closure of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. He said the corridor has remained closed for nearly a year, preventing devotees from visiting the holy site of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Moreover, he urged both governments to respect Sikh sentiments and reopen the corridor at the earliest.
According to him, access to Kartarpur Sahib is not just a travel issue but a deeply spiritual need for Sikh devotees worldwide.
The Akal Takht Jathedar Statement Pakistan Gurdwara Yatra strongly connects religious freedom with cross-border cooperation.
Personal Reflection and Past Visi
The Jathedar shared that during his visit to Pakistan in November 2025 for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab, he prayed at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.
At that time, he appealed before Guru Sahib for the resumption of the long-pending pilgrimage for Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary.
Furthermore, he held discussions with representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, who responded positively to the proposal.
He stated that his prayers and efforts have now been fulfilled with the revival of the pilgrimage.
Appeal for Respecting Sikh Sentiments
The Jathedar emphasized that both governments must respect Sikh religious emotions. He said that facilitating access to historic gurdwaras strengthens peace and mutual understanding between communities.
Moreover, he expressed hope that the Kartarpur Corridor issue will also be resolved soon.
He added that the Sikh community continues to pray daily for unhindered access to all historical Sikh shrines.
Conclusion
The Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan reflects a significant development in Sikh religious travel and cross-border cooperation. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj welcomed the revival of the pilgrimage after 14 years and urged governments to further support Sikh religious access, especially by reopening the Kartarpur Corridor. His statement highlights the deep spiritual connection of the Sikh community with its historical shrines in Pakistan.
Key Points of the news:
- Akal Takht Jathedar welcomed the Sikh jatha visiting Pakistan after 14 years.
- He thanked India and Pakistan governments for allowing the pilgrimage.
- The jatha will visit Pakistan gurdwaras on Guru Arjan Dev Ji martyrdom day.
- He urged reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for Sikh devotees.
- The Jathedar said Sikh sentiments must be respected by both governments.
