The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday.

However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan, has distanced itself from the PSGPC’s initiative, saying "it has not received any instructions to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor so far."

The 4-km long corridor links Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev.

"We have decided in principle to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and for the purpose, we will invite some two to three ministers and other government functionaries," Singh told PTI.

When asked as to why the ETPB was not hosting this function along with the PSGPC, Singh said: "Since the construction of Kartarpur Corridor is a historic event, the Sikh body in Pakistan has decided in principle to celebrate its first inauguration anniversary. And so far the ETPB is concerned, we are inviting it and other government functionaries and ministers for the event."

He said that the PSGPC wanted to invite Sikhs from across the border but the Indian government had already declined the Pakistan government's offer to allow the pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib owing to COVID-19.

The corridor — which allows Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara — was closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India has said a decision to re-open the Kartarpur corridor would be taken in accordance with the protocols relating to COVID-19 and easing of restrictions.

Singh further said that Sikhs from all parts of Pakistan would visit the corridor on November 9. "Some 500 to 1,000 locals visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib daily," he said.

Meanwhile, an official of the ETPB told PTI that no function in connection with the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor has been planned at the government level.

"The PSGPC is organizing a programme on its own," he said.

On November 9, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor as part of the commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at a colourful ceremony.

Earlier this month, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan will celebrate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from November 28 to 30.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday. However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan, has distanced itself from the PSGPC’s initiative, saying "it has not received any instructions to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor so far." The 4-km long corridor links Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev. "We have decided in principle to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and for the purpose, we will invite some two to three ministers and other government functionaries," Singh told PTI. When asked as to why the ETPB was not hosting this function along with the PSGPC, Singh said: "Since the construction of Kartarpur Corridor is a historic event, the Sikh body in Pakistan has decided in principle to celebrate its first inauguration anniversary. And so far the ETPB is concerned, we are inviting it and other government functionaries and ministers for the event." He said that the PSGPC wanted to invite Sikhs from across the border but the Indian government had already declined the Pakistan government's offer to allow the pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib owing to COVID-19. The corridor — which allows Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara — was closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India has said a decision to re-open the Kartarpur corridor would be taken in accordance with the protocols relating to COVID-19 and easing of restrictions. Singh further said that Sikhs from all parts of Pakistan would visit the corridor on November 9. "Some 500 to 1,000 locals visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib daily," he said. Meanwhile, an official of the ETPB told PTI that no function in connection with the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor has been planned at the government level. "The PSGPC is organizing a programme on its own," he said. On November 9, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor as part of the commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at a colourful ceremony. Earlier this month, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan will celebrate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from November 28 to 30.

Pak's top Sikh body to celebrate first anniversary of inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9

In his quest for global attention, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan often lectures India on the rights of minorities.

He has tried to berate India on global forums, indulged in fearmongering at public events and even tweeted a fake video, claiming it showed police violence in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The Pakistani prime minister would be better served if he looks in his backyard first because the numbers tell the story of how religious persecution is now rampant in Pakistan.

A 2015 report says that at least one thousand girls are forcibly converted to Islam in Pakistan every year. Another report says that 95 per cent of all Hindu temples in Pakistan have been either destroyed or converted.

A survey found that only 20 Hindu temples out of 428 places of worship are operational now. The situation is particularly worse for the Hindus. In 2013, journalist Andrew Buncombe wrote in the UNHCR refugees daily - "Pakistan is worse than hell for Muslims." 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;Have international watchdogs failed to call out Pakistan?

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As the story from Sindh made front-page news, it started trending - hashtags like minorities in danger in Pakistan and wake up UNHCR started doing the rounds.&nbsp;

Many drew parallels with India. India has more Muslims than Pakistan, and yet they are technically a minority. Comparing India and Pakistan is a case of apples and oranges.

It's unfair and unnecessary. And it doesn't really cover India in glory. The situation in India is and should be better than Pakistan. India is a secular country. Measuring itself against Pakistan on any parameter, and coming out the winner, does little to burnish India's image.

But if a comparison must be made, this is what it looks like: The population of minorities in India has been steadily growing.

According to pew, the population of Muslims will grow from around 14 per cent to 18 per cent by 2050. Minorities in India enjoy the Rights to Practice their Religion.

Muslim lawmakers have representation in the Indian Parliament. When they don't agree with something, they protest, like people of any religion do.

Case in point - the anti-CAA protests. The Muslims of India are at the forefront of the protest, so are people from other religions.

Compare this with what happened in Pakistan when a Sikh tried to save his daughter from forced conversion. In response, angry Islamists shouted anti-Sikh slogans, pelted stones at a Gurudwara and threatened to destroy it.

It doesn't take much for the global community to realise that minorities are under threat in Pakistan.

Islamabad state intolerance towards minorities can be traced back to the Zia ul Haq era - the dictator legitimised the oppression of minorities by tweaking laws.

Consequently, the standing of minorities was reduced before the courts. Electoral laws were diluted, separate electorates for minorities were introduced - a system that was not abolished until 2002.

While the minorities were welcomed back into a joint electoral system, they still do not enjoy equal rights. Pakistani society still does not accept them as their own. Hardliners still dictate the rules and the silence of the state only enables their persecution.

So why have international watchdogs failed to call Pakistan out? Unfortunately, condemnations have been limited to diplomatic texts here.

The classic double standards and the West cutting Pakistan some slack each time in the hope that it won't be branded Islamophobic.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

In his quest for global attention, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan often lectures India on the rights of minorities. He has tried to berate India on global forums, indulged in fearmongering at public events and even tweeted a fake video, claiming it showed police violence in Uttar Pradesh.

In his quest for global attention, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan often lectures India on the rights of minorities. He has tried to berate India on global forums, indulged in fearmongering at public events and even tweeted a fake video, claiming it showed police violence in Uttar Pradesh. The Pakistani prime minister would be better served if he looks in his backyard first because the numbers tell the story of how religious persecution is now rampant in Pakistan. A 2015 report says that at least one thousand girls are forcibly converted to Islam in Pakistan every year. Another report says that 95 per cent of all Hindu temples in Pakistan have been either destroyed or converted. A survey found that only 20 Hindu temples out of 428 places of worship are operational now. The situation is particularly worse for the Hindus. In 2013, journalist Andrew Buncombe wrote in the UNHCR refugees daily - "Pakistan is worse than hell for Muslims." WATCH: Have international watchdogs failed to call out Pakistan? × As the story from Sindh made front-page news, it started trending - hashtags like minorities in danger in Pakistan and wake up UNHCR started doing the rounds. Many drew parallels with India. India has more Muslims than Pakistan, and yet they are technically a minority. Comparing India and Pakistan is a case of apples and oranges. It's unfair and unnecessary. And it doesn't really cover India in glory. The situation in India is and should be better than Pakistan. India is a secular country. Measuring itself against Pakistan on any parameter, and coming out the winner, does little to burnish India's image. But if a comparison must be made, this is what it looks like: The population of minorities in India has been steadily growing. According to pew, the population of Muslims will grow from around 14 per cent to 18 per cent by 2050. Minorities in India enjoy the Rights to Practice their Religion. Muslim lawmakers have representation in the Indian Parliament. When they don't agree with something, they protest, like people of any religion do. Case in point - the anti-CAA protests. The Muslims of India are at the forefront of the protest, so are people from other religions. Compare this with what happened in Pakistan when a Sikh tried to save his daughter from forced conversion. In response, angry Islamists shouted anti-Sikh slogans, pelted stones at a Gurudwara and threatened to destroy it. It doesn't take much for the global community to realise that minorities are under threat in Pakistan. Islamabad state intolerance towards minorities can be traced back to the Zia ul Haq era - the dictator legitimised the oppression of minorities by tweaking laws. Consequently, the standing of minorities was reduced before the courts. Electoral laws were diluted, separate electorates for minorities were introduced - a system that was not abolished until 2002. While the minorities were welcomed back into a joint electoral system, they still do not enjoy equal rights. Pakistani society still does not accept them as their own. Hardliners still dictate the rules and the silence of the state only enables their persecution. So why have international watchdogs failed to call Pakistan out? Unfortunately, condemnations have been limited to diplomatic texts here. The classic double standards and the West cutting Pakistan some slack each time in the hope that it won't be branded Islamophobic. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Pakistan's minority report

Over 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore on Wednesday to take part in festivities ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

On their arrival in Lahore, the Sikh pilgrims left for Gurudwara Janamesthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, where the main function will be held on Friday on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Minorities Senator Anwar Lal, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Tahir Ehsan and secretary Tariq Wazir, and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Tara Singh were among the Pakistani officials who greeted the Sikh 'yatris' at the Wagah Railway station.

"As many as 3,080 Sikh pilgrims arrived here today on two special trains. The third train is expected to arrive here to bring another 700 or so yatris," ETPB spokesman Amir Hashmi said on Wednesday. He said the Pakistan government had issued 3,800 visas to Indian Sikhs.

Sikh group leader Amerjeet Singh congratulated Pakistanis on the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad on Eid Milad-un Nabi.

He said Sikh pilgrims get love from Pakistanis and urged the Pakistan government to issue at least 10,000 visas for Sikhs for next year's 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

He thanked the Pakistan government for the proposed opening of the Gurudwara Kartarpur in Narowal for pilgrims. He hoped there would be no hurdles in its opening for Indian Sikhs.

ETPB chairman Ehsan said the Pakistan government has made foolproof security arrangements for the pilgrims.

Pakistan Rangers and elite force personnel have been deployed along with police for the security of the visiting pilgrims.

He said the board has better boarding arrangements at the gurudwaras where the pilgrims would stay during their visit.

During their 10-day stay, the pilgrims will also visit some other gurudwaras in Punjab province. They will leave for India on November 30.

Over 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore on Wednesday to take part in festivities ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. On their arrival in Lahore, the Sikh pilgrims left for Gurudwara Janamesthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, where the main function will be held on Friday on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Over 3,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore on Wednesday to take part in festivities ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. On their arrival in Lahore, the Sikh pilgrims left for Gurudwara Janamesthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, where the main function will be held on Friday on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Minorities Senator Anwar Lal, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Tahir Ehsan and secretary Tariq Wazir, and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Tara Singh were among the Pakistani officials who greeted the Sikh 'yatris' at the Wagah Railway station. "As many as 3,080 Sikh pilgrims arrived here today on two special trains. The third train is expected to arrive here to bring another 700 or so yatris," ETPB spokesman Amir Hashmi said on Wednesday. He said the Pakistan government had issued 3,800 visas to Indian Sikhs. Sikh group leader Amerjeet Singh congratulated Pakistanis on the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad on Eid Milad-un Nabi. He said Sikh pilgrims get love from Pakistanis and urged the Pakistan government to issue at least 10,000 visas for Sikhs for next year's 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He thanked the Pakistan government for the proposed opening of the Gurudwara Kartarpur in Narowal for pilgrims. He hoped there would be no hurdles in its opening for Indian Sikhs. ETPB chairman Ehsan said the Pakistan government has made foolproof security arrangements for the pilgrims. Pakistan Rangers and elite force personnel have been deployed along with police for the security of the visiting pilgrims. He said the board has better boarding arrangements at the gurudwaras where the pilgrims would stay during their visit. During their 10-day stay, the pilgrims will also visit some other gurudwaras in Punjab province. They will leave for India on November 30.

Pakistan Sikh group wants 10,000 visas for Indians for next year's Guru Nanak birth anniversary

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan&#39;s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were &#39;being forced to convert to Islam&#39; by a government official.

The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune.

Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam.

Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts.

He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region.

&quot;Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious,&quot; Singh told The Express Tribune.

&quot;We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously,&quot; read the complaint.

On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant.

He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.&nbsp;

The complaint has come from the Sikhs of Hangu district in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were 'being forced to convert to Islam' by a government official. The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune. Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam. Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts. He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region. "Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious," Singh told The Express Tribune. "We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously," read the complaint. On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant. He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.

Pakistan: Sikhs 'being forced to convert to Islam' by government official