Over 2,470 Sikh pilgrims have crossed the Wagah Border to celebrate Baisakhi in Pakistan. They will be taken to various Sikh shrines in Punjab province. Is Pak trying to signal that it wants to defuse tensions with India? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: 2,470 Sikh pilgrims to celebrate Baisakhi in Pakistan

Pakistan's acting high commissioner to India Aftab Hasan Khan has termed Indo-Pakistan pilgrimage movement as "good omen" for ties.

He had accompanied over 50 Pakistani pilgrims who visited the famous Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday. The batch was the first such batch of Pakistani pilgrims to visit India since March 2020.

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Watch:&nbsp;Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen ahead of birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

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Speaking to WION, the top Pakistani diplomat in India said, "its a good omen that people are interacting and more people should visit. People from India to should go to Pakistan and people from Pakistan should come to India. We are following a very liberal visa regime at the Pakistani high commission and issuing maximum number of visas to the Indian applicants desirous of visiting Pakistan. So hope, let's see in the future, it's a good omen for bilateral relationship."&nbsp;

Seen as pilgrimage diplomacy, the visit by Pakistani devotees comes even as Indian pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan. Around 1,500 Indians are visiting Pakistan on November 17-26&nbsp;via the Attari-Wagah border, coinciding with Gurupurab, the birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak.

Aftab Hasan Khan remarked, "It is very heartening to see that pilgrims from Pakistan have arrived to pay obeisance at the Nizamuddin Dargah on the Urs and we hope that this will continue in the future also. Due to Covid restrictions, it was suspended and now it has started again and we hope it will continue in the future."

Both the visits are covered under the 1974 Bilateral Protocol between India and Pakistan on 'Visits to Religious Shrines'. The Indian pilgrims are visiting Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Panja Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Dehra Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Nankana Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib and Gurudwara Shri Sachha Sauda.&nbsp;

Asked about his visit at the holy place, he said, "We came here, we paid our obeisance, prayed for the peace and stability in the region and it was a wonderful and an auspicious occasion, Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. We prayed here with all out pilgrims. Prayed for peace and stability in the region".

The movement globally and between India and Pakistan has been suspended amid the Covid pandemic. As the crisis abates, India is opening up. Earlier this month, New Delhi announced the process of giving tourist visas.

Pakistani pilgrims who were present at the Dargah appreciated Indian government for facilitating the process of the visit.

One pilgrim told WION, "We got lot of love and respect here. We are happy to be here. We want increased engagement".

Another pilgrim from Gujranwala said, "happy to be here at the Dargah".

One pilgrim from Lahore said, "we thank India govt for giving permission to be here, so that we can offer dua here."

Pakistan's acting high commissioner to India Aftab Hasan Khan has termed Indo-Pakistan pilgrimage movement as "good omen" for ties. He had accompanied over 50 Pakistani pilgrims who visited the famous Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday.

Pakistan's acting high commissioner to India Aftab Hasan Khan has termed Indo-Pakistan pilgrimage movement as "good omen" for ties. He had accompanied over 50 Pakistani pilgrims who visited the famous Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday. The batch was the first such batch of Pakistani pilgrims to visit India since March 2020. Watch: Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen ahead of birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev × Speaking to WION, the top Pakistani diplomat in India said, "its a good omen that people are interacting and more people should visit. People from India to should go to Pakistan and people from Pakistan should come to India. We are following a very liberal visa regime at the Pakistani high commission and issuing maximum number of visas to the Indian applicants desirous of visiting Pakistan. So hope, let's see in the future, it's a good omen for bilateral relationship." Seen as pilgrimage diplomacy, the visit by Pakistani devotees comes even as Indian pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan. Around 1,500 Indians are visiting Pakistan on November 17-26 via the Attari-Wagah border, coinciding with Gurupurab, the birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak. Aftab Hasan Khan remarked, "It is very heartening to see that pilgrims from Pakistan have arrived to pay obeisance at the Nizamuddin Dargah on the Urs and we hope that this will continue in the future also. Due to Covid restrictions, it was suspended and now it has started again and we hope it will continue in the future." Both the visits are covered under the 1974 Bilateral Protocol between India and Pakistan on 'Visits to Religious Shrines'. The Indian pilgrims are visiting Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Panja Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Dehra Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Nankana Sahib, Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib and Gurudwara Shri Sachha Sauda. Asked about his visit at the holy place, he said, "We came here, we paid our obeisance, prayed for the peace and stability in the region and it was a wonderful and an auspicious occasion, Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. We prayed here with all out pilgrims. Prayed for peace and stability in the region". The movement globally and between India and Pakistan has been suspended amid the Covid pandemic. As the crisis abates, India is opening up. Earlier this month, New Delhi announced the process of giving tourist visas. Pakistani pilgrims who were present at the Dargah appreciated Indian government for facilitating the process of the visit. One pilgrim told WION, "We got lot of love and respect here. We are happy to be here. We want increased engagement". Another pilgrim from Gujranwala said, "happy to be here at the Dargah". One pilgrim from Lahore said, "we thank India govt for giving permission to be here, so that we can offer dua here."

Top Pakistani diplomat says pilgrims' movement a 'good omen' for India-Pak ties

900+ Sikh pilgrims have been stranded in Pakistan as protesters block highways & roads. What are the protests about? What is Imran Khan govt doing to stop them? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Unrest & Protests grip Pakistan

Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam.

In a video that has surfaced on social media, an Islamic cleric was seen stressing that Pakistan had been formed to not allow any Sikh to enter the country.

"Pakistan is formed from the word 'Pak' or pious in Islam. The dirty habits of Sikhs will not be allowed here," Islamist scholar Khadim Hussain Rizvi was heard in the video talking about facilities availed by Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Gurdwara.

Khadim Rizvi is the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a religious-political organisation founded in 2015 known for its protests against any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Some of their protests have been on a large scale.

"Only Mecca and the Prophet are considered to be holy in our land. The Sikhs can visit Amritsar for pilgrimage if they want, but they should not come here," the cleric added.

Experts at a talk show on Canadian Tag TV emphasised that the video is another confirmation that PM Imran Khan had attempted to buy the Sikh sentiment to use it against the BJP-led government in India and also fuel the separatist movement of Khalistan.

The much-awaited Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally opened for pilgrims on Saturday three days ahead of 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.

A state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, a fully air-conditioned building akin to an airport has also been built to facilitate nearly 5000 pilgrims each day along with necessary public amenities like kiosks, washrooms, childcare, first aid medical facilities, prayer room and snacks counters inside the main building. Robust security infrastructure is put in place with CCTV surveillance and public address systems.

Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam.

Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam. In a video that has surfaced on social media, an Islamic cleric was seen stressing that Pakistan had been formed to not allow any Sikh to enter the country. "Pakistan is formed from the word 'Pak' or pious in Islam. The dirty habits of Sikhs will not be allowed here," Islamist scholar Khadim Hussain Rizvi was heard in the video talking about facilities availed by Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Gurdwara. Khadim Rizvi is the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a religious-political organisation founded in 2015 known for its protests against any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Some of their protests have been on a large scale. "Only Mecca and the Prophet are considered to be holy in our land. The Sikhs can visit Amritsar for pilgrimage if they want, but they should not come here," the cleric added. Experts at a talk show on Canadian Tag TV emphasised that the video is another confirmation that PM Imran Khan had attempted to buy the Sikh sentiment to use it against the BJP-led government in India and also fuel the separatist movement of Khalistan. The much-awaited Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally opened for pilgrims on Saturday three days ahead of 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev on November 12. A state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, a fully air-conditioned building akin to an airport has also been built to facilitate nearly 5000 pilgrims each day along with necessary public amenities like kiosks, washrooms, childcare, first aid medical facilities, prayer room and snacks counters inside the main building. Robust security infrastructure is put in place with CCTV surveillance and public address systems.

Pakistani cleric threatens Sikh pilgrims from visiting Kartarpur Gurdwara

Authorities here have decided to start the process of issuance of visas to Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world to attend the 550th birth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-proposes-third-round-of-india-pakistan-talks-on-kartarpur-246477">anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib</a>, on September 1.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Religious Tourism and Heritage Committee (RTHC) chaired by Punjab province's Governor Chaudhry Sarwar in Lahore on Wednesday, Dawn reported.

After the meeting, the governor told media persons that the visa process for the Sikh pilgrims would start on September 1 and completed by the end of the month.

He said work on setting up a "tent city" in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, would begin next week.

In addition, funds had been provided for completion of the road from Sucha Sauda to Nankana Sahib and work on the project would begin shortly, he noted.

The governor also said that a number of Sikh pilgrims would arrive from the UK, the USA and other countries to attend the convention.

"Pakistan will complete the corridor project by November regardless of India's willingness to work on it or not," Sarwar said.

He further stressed that Pakistan would not compromise on the rights of minorities residing in Pakistan, adding, "Pakistan is a safe country for the minorities."

Special shuttle service will be launched from the railway station to the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak.

Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the opening of Kartarpur corridor will remain on track irrespective of Pakistan's ties with India over the Kashmir crisis.

Awan further assured that doors will remain open to Sikh pilgrims visiting Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan in connection with the upcoming 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The historic corridor will be inaugurated in November this year, she was quoted as saying.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Authorities here have decided to start the process of issuance of visas to Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world to attend the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib, on September 1.

Authorities here have decided to start the process of issuance of visas to Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world to attend the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib, on September 1. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Religious Tourism and Heritage Committee (RTHC) chaired by Punjab province's Governor Chaudhry Sarwar in Lahore on Wednesday, Dawn reported. After the meeting, the governor told media persons that the visa process for the Sikh pilgrims would start on September 1 and completed by the end of the month. He said work on setting up a "tent city" in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, would begin next week. In addition, funds had been provided for completion of the road from Sucha Sauda to Nankana Sahib and work on the project would begin shortly, he noted. The governor also said that a number of Sikh pilgrims would arrive from the UK, the USA and other countries to attend the convention. "Pakistan will complete the corridor project by November regardless of India's willingness to work on it or not," Sarwar said. He further stressed that Pakistan would not compromise on the rights of minorities residing in Pakistan, adding, "Pakistan is a safe country for the minorities." Special shuttle service will be launched from the railway station to the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak. Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the opening of Kartarpur corridor will remain on track irrespective of Pakistan's ties with India over the Kashmir crisis. Awan further assured that doors will remain open to Sikh pilgrims visiting Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan in connection with the upcoming 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The historic corridor will be inaugurated in November this year, she was quoted as saying.

Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan to start visa process for Sikh pilgrims from September 1

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to the pilgrims who are partaking in the special 'jatha'.

"These visas have been granted over and above the issuance of thousands of visas every year under the framework of Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974," the high commission said in a statement.

"Government of Pakistan also believes in the policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and India," it said.

On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims.

Once opened, the three-kilometres corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

The route is expected to be completed by September-end.&nbsp;

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1.

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to the pilgrims who are partaking in the special 'jatha'. "These visas have been granted over and above the issuance of thousands of visas every year under the framework of Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974," the high commission said in a statement. "Government of Pakistan also believes in the policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and India," it said. On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims. Once opened, the three-kilometres corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. The route is expected to be completed by September-end.

500 Sikh pilgrims cross Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth celebrations

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-round-two-ends-pakistan-not-open-to-5000-pilgrims-daily-235729">Kartarpur corridor</a> for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-complete-kartarpur-corridor-construction-by-october-31-235299">Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;

Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims.

Replying to a question on the construction of the corridor, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was certainly a good news report and "we encourage it".

"Anything that increases people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan is something that we are incredibly supportive of," the spokesperson told reporters.

Once opened, the three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

Sunday`s talks between Indian and Pakistani delegations also reviewed the progress reached in the three rounds of technical meetings held in March, April, and May this year.&nbsp;

The two sides endorsed the crossing point or the `zero-point` coordinates that were agreed to at the technical level. The corridor is expected to be completed by September end.

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan.

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan. On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims. Replying to a question on the construction of the corridor, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was certainly a good news report and "we encourage it". "Anything that increases people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan is something that we are incredibly supportive of," the spokesperson told reporters. Once opened, the three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. Sunday`s talks between Indian and Pakistani delegations also reviewed the progress reached in the three rounds of technical meetings held in March, April, and May this year. The two sides endorsed the crossing point or the `zero-point` coordinates that were agreed to at the technical level. The corridor is expected to be completed by September end.

United States welcomes construction of Kartarpur corridor

Pakistan on Wednesday refused visas to 58 Sikh pilgrims who wanted to go there to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had sent 282 applications for visas and only 224 visas were granted, while 58 were denied.

"We filed the application for 282 Sikh pilgrims but only 224 have been granted. 58 visas were not cleared," SGPC Secretary Manjeet Singh told ANI.

The pilgrims will be visiting Pakistan tomorrow by a special train from Attari railway station. Sikhs, whose visa were not approved, protested outside the SGPC office.

They demanded that there should not be a visa system.

"We have demanded an end to this visa system. Pilgrims should be allowed without it. We are now waiting for Pakistan`s response," he added.

Within the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, thousands of pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions every year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday refused visas to 58 Sikh pilgrims who wanted to go there to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had sent 282 applications for visas and only 224 visas were granted, while 58 were denied.

Pakistan on Wednesday refused visas to 58 Sikh pilgrims who wanted to go there to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had sent 282 applications for visas and only 224 visas were granted, while 58 were denied. "We filed the application for 282 Sikh pilgrims but only 224 have been granted. 58 visas were not cleared," SGPC Secretary Manjeet Singh told ANI. The pilgrims will be visiting Pakistan tomorrow by a special train from Attari railway station. Sikhs, whose visa were not approved, protested outside the SGPC office. They demanded that there should not be a visa system. "We have demanded an end to this visa system. Pilgrims should be allowed without it. We are now waiting for Pakistan`s response," he added. Within the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, thousands of pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions every year.

Pakistan refuses visa to 58 Sikhs for pilgrimage

A Sikh leader in Pakistan has lauded the government's decision to allow double entry visa facility to 10,000 pilgrims from the community to visit the historic shrine in Kartarpur on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, according to a media report.

Last week, the Pakistan government has earmarked Rs 100 crore in the federal budget 2019-20 for the development of the much-awaited corridor.

Provincial Parliamentary Secretary of Punjab Sardar Mahendar Paal Singh said that Kartarpur Corridor- which was the longstanding desire of the community globally for the last seventy years, especially from India particularly in view of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev would be observed on November 6, Dunya News reported.

The Kartarpur corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-invites-sikh-community-to-invest-in-commercial-projects-along-nankana-kartarpur-corridor-190177">Sikh pilgrims</a>, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev.

Talking about government's recent initiatives regarding promotion of religious tourism especially visa facilitation, online visas and visas on arrival, Singh has said that this initiative would benefit tens of thousands of Sikh pilgrims every year and promote interfaith harmony, it added.

He also lauded the government's decision to allow double entry visa facility to 10,000 Sikh pilgrims to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the report added. PTI AMS AKJ&nbsp;

A Sikh leader in Pakistan has lauded the government's decision to allow double entry visa facility to 10,000 pilgrims from the community to visit the historic shrine in Kartarpur on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, according to a media report.

A Sikh leader in Pakistan has lauded the government's decision to allow double entry visa facility to 10,000 pilgrims from the community to visit the historic shrine in Kartarpur on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, according to a media report. Last week, the Pakistan government has earmarked Rs 100 crore in the federal budget 2019-20 for the development of the much-awaited corridor. Provincial Parliamentary Secretary of Punjab Sardar Mahendar Paal Singh said that Kartarpur Corridor- which was the longstanding desire of the community globally for the last seventy years, especially from India particularly in view of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev would be observed on November 6, Dunya News reported. The Kartarpur corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev. Talking about government's recent initiatives regarding promotion of religious tourism especially visa facilitation, online visas and visas on arrival, Singh has said that this initiative would benefit tens of thousands of Sikh pilgrims every year and promote interfaith harmony, it added. He also lauded the government's decision to allow double entry visa facility to 10,000 Sikh pilgrims to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the report added. PTI AMS AKJ

Pakistan Sikh leader lauds government's decision to allow double entry visa to 10,000 pilgrims to Kartarpur

Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world have gathered at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province to celebrate the 549th birth anniversary of Sikh's founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Security was beefed up in and around the gurdwara - one of the most sacred places of Sikh religion - where dozens of officials from the security agencies were deployed, Dawn reported on Monday.

Over 3,800 Indian Sikh pilgrims and thousands of Sikh and Hindu devotees from various parts of Pakistan, especially Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and interior Sindh, arrived at the gurdwara to perform their rituals which include 'Akhand Path', 'Ashnan', 'Matha Teak' and 'Kirtan', the paper said.

The pilgrims hailed the decision of India and Pakistan to build a corridor, linking Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Talking to reporters, the leader of the Indian pilgrims, Marjeet Singh, said, "with the opening of this corridor, the Pakistani government had won the hearts of millions of Sikhs living on the other side of the border", the paper reported.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee leader Raminder Singh also lauded the steps taken by the Pakistani government and said the latest step of opening the corridor would further cement relations between Pakistan and the Sikh community.

He said that the opening of the Kartarpur corridor would be a gift for the Sikh community by the governments of both sides. He said over 10,000 Sikh pilgrims would visit Pakistan on the occasion. He stressed the need for opening more corridors between the two countries, especially in Kashmir.

Leader of female contingent from India Manmohan Kaur said that visa-free entry to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur would be a great facility for Sikh pilgrims.

She also expressed displeasure over the mismanagement by the Pakistan railways as a result of which over 113 pilgrims were left behind at Nankana Sahib.

Talking to the media, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal said mismanagement was due to the negligence of the railway authorities and the pilgrims' displeasure was communicated to the relevant authorities.

He said the government had decided to open the Kartarpur corridor to allow Sikh pilgrims from neighbouring India to visit their gurdwara in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan would formally inaugurate this corridor on November 28, he said.

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died.

Responding a question, Gondal said the pilgrims would visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on November 26. They will also visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Emanabad and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on November 28 and then depart for their respective countries on November 30.

Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world have gathered at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province to celebrate the 549th birth anniversary of Sikh's founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world have gathered at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province to celebrate the 549th birth anniversary of Sikh's founder Guru Nanak Dev. Security was beefed up in and around the gurdwara - one of the most sacred places of Sikh religion - where dozens of officials from the security agencies were deployed, Dawn reported on Monday. Over 3,800 Indian Sikh pilgrims and thousands of Sikh and Hindu devotees from various parts of Pakistan, especially Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and interior Sindh, arrived at the gurdwara to perform their rituals which include 'Akhand Path', 'Ashnan', 'Matha Teak' and 'Kirtan', the paper said. The pilgrims hailed the decision of India and Pakistan to build a corridor, linking Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Talking to reporters, the leader of the Indian pilgrims, Marjeet Singh, said, "with the opening of this corridor, the Pakistani government had won the hearts of millions of Sikhs living on the other side of the border", the paper reported. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee leader Raminder Singh also lauded the steps taken by the Pakistani government and said the latest step of opening the corridor would further cement relations between Pakistan and the Sikh community. He said that the opening of the Kartarpur corridor would be a gift for the Sikh community by the governments of both sides. He said over 10,000 Sikh pilgrims would visit Pakistan on the occasion. He stressed the need for opening more corridors between the two countries, especially in Kashmir. Leader of female contingent from India Manmohan Kaur said that visa-free entry to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur would be a great facility for Sikh pilgrims. She also expressed displeasure over the mismanagement by the Pakistan railways as a result of which over 113 pilgrims were left behind at Nankana Sahib. Talking to the media, Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal said mismanagement was due to the negligence of the railway authorities and the pilgrims' displeasure was communicated to the relevant authorities. He said the government had decided to open the Kartarpur corridor to allow Sikh pilgrims from neighbouring India to visit their gurdwara in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan would formally inaugurate this corridor on November 28, he said. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. Responding a question, Gondal said the pilgrims would visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on November 26. They will also visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Emanabad and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on November 28 and then depart for their respective countries on November 30.

Sikh pilgrims gather at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Pak for Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

Amid protests over Asia Bibi's acquittal in blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, a group of pilgrims from England are stranded in the country,&nbsp;unable to leave.

About 70 Sikh pilgrims from England have been rescued by Pakistani security forces. However, they were stuck between Lahore and Hasan Abdal town in Punjab province, according to report.

Hasan Abdal is famous for the Gurdwara Panja Sahib, the shrine is considered to be particularly important to Sikhs.

To avoid any untoward incident, two helicopters have now shifted the pilgrims to Lahore under tight security cover, the report added.

Amid protests over Asia Bibi's acquittal in blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, a group of pilgrims from England are stranded in the country, unable to leave. About 70 Sikh pilgrims from England have been rescued by Pakistani security forces.

Amid protests over Asia Bibi's acquittal in blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, a group of pilgrims from England are stranded in the country, unable to leave. About 70 Sikh pilgrims from England have been rescued by Pakistani security forces. However, they were stuck between Lahore and Hasan Abdal town in Punjab province, according to report. Hasan Abdal is famous for the Gurdwara Panja Sahib, the shrine is considered to be particularly important to Sikhs. To avoid any untoward incident, two helicopters have now shifted the pilgrims to Lahore under tight security cover, the report added.

70 Sikh pilgrims from England stranded in Pakistan amid protest over Asia Bibi's acquittal

The opening of the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan, the Foreign Office said Thursday, asserting that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve issues and disputes between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal told reporters that Pakistan "could only try" to co-exist peacefully with its neighbour.

Responding to a question about opening of the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, Faisal said nothing can happen if there are no talks between the two countries. He, however, reiterated Pakistan's stance to hold talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to Indo-Pak border. It was established by the first Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died.&nbsp;

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had attended Imran Khan's swearing in ceremony in Islamabad in August, has said that Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa hinted at opening of the route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev is being observed in November 2019.

The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Last month, India called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani.

On SAARC conference, Faisal said Pakistan held talks with all South Asian countries, on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meeting in New York, and they all were very positive to come to Islamabad for the summit.&nbsp;

However, he claimed that India is creating hurdles.

SAARC Summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu.

The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad but after a major terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate.

Faisal also said Pakistan is raising the issue of water and what it called the controversial projects initiated by India such as Kishanganga and Ratle, at all forums.&nbsp;

The opening of the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan, the Foreign Office said Thursday, asserting that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve issues and disputes between the two countries.

The opening of the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan, the Foreign Office said Thursday, asserting that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve issues and disputes between the two countries. Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal told reporters that Pakistan "could only try" to co-exist peacefully with its neighbour. Responding to a question about opening of the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, Faisal said nothing can happen if there are no talks between the two countries. He, however, reiterated Pakistan's stance to hold talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to Indo-Pak border. It was established by the first Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had attended Imran Khan's swearing in ceremony in Islamabad in August, has said that Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa hinted at opening of the route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev is being observed in November 2019. The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Last month, India called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani. On SAARC conference, Faisal said Pakistan held talks with all South Asian countries, on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meeting in New York, and they all were very positive to come to Islamabad for the summit. However, he claimed that India is creating hurdles. SAARC Summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad but after a major terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. Faisal also said Pakistan is raising the issue of water and what it called the controversial projects initiated by India such as Kishanganga and Ratle, at all forums.

Opening of Kartarpur corridor will remain pending if there are no talks: Pakistan

After India <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pak-deputy-high-commissioner-over-attempts-to-block-consular-access-to-sikh-pilgrims-130865?first_load=no">summoned Pakistan's deputy high </a>commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Pakistan's refusal to allow consular access to Sikh pilgrims in Punjab province, Shah said &nbsp;Islamabad is "always happy to host Sikh pilgrims".

On Tuesday, India had summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner and lodged a protest over attempts being made to raise the Khalistan issue during the visit of Sikh pilgrims.

India said it violates&nbsp;the spirit of the bilateral protocol of 1974 governing the exchange of visits of pilgrims between the two countries.

Around 1,800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan for the past week under a bilateral agreement between the two countries facilitating visits to religious shrines.

India's ministry of external affairs said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib.&nbsp;

However, the Pakistan side dismissed India's view, &nbsp;foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that it was "deeply regrettable that facts in this matter had been completely distorted and misrepresented."&nbsp;

Faisal said the Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had extended an invitation to the High Commissioner of India to attend the main function of Baisakhi at the Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14 and the foreign ministry granted the travel permission to him. &nbsp;

"However, in the run-up to the main function, the ETPB authorities noticed strong resentment among segments of Sikh Yatrees, gathered there from different parts of the world, protesting the release in India of some film on Baba Guru Nanak Devji. &nbsp;

"Considering an emotionally charged environment and the possibility of any untoward situation, the ETPB authorities contacted the Indian High Commission officials and suggested cancellation of the visit," Faisal claimed.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

After India summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Pakistan's refusal to allow consular access to Sikh pilgrims in Punjab province, Shah said Islamabad is "always happy to host Sikh pilgrims". On Tuesday, India had summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner and lodged a protest over attempts being made to raise the Khalistan issue during the visit of Sikh pilgrims. India said it violates the spirit of the bilateral protocol of 1974 governing the exchange of visits of pilgrims between the two countries. Around 1,800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan for the past week under a bilateral agreement between the two countries facilitating visits to religious shrines. India's ministry of external affairs said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib. However, the Pakistan side dismissed India's view, foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that it was "deeply regrettable that facts in this matter had been completely distorted and misrepresented." Faisal said the Secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had extended an invitation to the High Commissioner of India to attend the main function of Baisakhi at the Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14 and the foreign ministry granted the travel permission to him. "However, in the run-up to the main function, the ETPB authorities noticed strong resentment among segments of Sikh Yatrees, gathered there from different parts of the world, protesting the release in India of some film on Baba Guru Nanak Devji. "Considering an emotionally charged environment and the possibility of any untoward situation, the ETPB authorities contacted the Indian High Commission officials and suggested cancellation of the visit," Faisal claimed.

'Always happy to host Sikh pilgrims,' says Pakistan deputy high commissioner after India summons

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-not-allowed-to-meet-sikh-pilgrims-india-lodges-protests-130568">Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests</a>

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-accepts-resignation-of-bjp-state-ministers-130581">J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-attack-at-afghanistan-border-130604">Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border</a>

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-deeply-disturbed-by-lack-of-efforts-to-bring-peace-to-syria-130584">Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria</a>

Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gunmen-open-fire-at-home-of-supreme-court-judge-130560">Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge</a>

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh. Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday. Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines.

In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday.

The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement.

The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats.

The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons.

It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said.

On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies.

"However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

The MEA called it an 'inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy' by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines. In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday. The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement. The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats. The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons. It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said. On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies. "However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests

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