Pakistani Sikh leaders have appealed to the Government of India to allow Indian devotees to visit Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s death anniversary. The Sikh community believes that this significant religious occasion symbolizes faith and devotion for millions of followers each year. The Kartarpur Corridor, which connects Dera Baba Nanak in India with Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, is the main passage to reach Gurudwara Darbar Sahib. Sikh leaders stated that devotees should be kept away from political complexities and their religious rights must be respected. They emphasized that Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings convey the message of brotherhood, peace, and equality, and on this occasion, full participation of the devotees should be ensured.

Every year, thousands of devotees from Punjab, India, travel to Kartarpur Sahib to visit the sacred site linked to the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Representatives of the Sikh community in Pakistan said that Kartarpur Sahib is not only a religious center but also an emotional heritage for Sikhs across the globe. Particularly on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s death anniversary, the spiritual atmosphere is considered deeply sacred, and therefore, it is essential to provide access for the devotees. They further noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and frequent tensions between the two countries, the number of visitors had been affected. However, with conditions returning to normal, the provision for regular pilgrimages should now be restored.

The Sikh leaders also appealed to the international community to play a role in keeping religious pilgrimages separate from political disputes between the two countries. They believe that the Kartarpur Corridor symbolizes peace and keeping it open can contribute to better relations between India and Pakistan. Several Sikh organizations expressed the view that cross-border religious visits help foster mutual understanding and cooperation among people. According to them, such pilgrimages not only provide spiritual solace to the devotees but also strengthen cultural dialogue and harmony between the peoples of both nations.

Pakistani Sikh leaders further said that the Government of India should respect the religious sentiments of devotees and permit them to pay their respects at Kartarpur. They reminded that this Gurudwara is the sacred site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the final years of his life, imparting teachings that guided the world towards a new path. This place is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs, where they experience the depth of their faith. At this time, with the death anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev approaching, opening the corridor for devotees would stand as an act of supporting their religious rights.