Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed dozens of Sikh pilgrims from India, marking the first major crossing since deadly clashes in May forced the closure of the Wagah-Attari border. Over 2,100 pilgrims were granted visas to attend a 10-day festival celebrating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism.
sites,Pilgrims, carrying luggage on their heads, were received with flowers and rose petals by Pakistani officials as they crossed into Pakistan. Around 1,700 pilgrims were expected, with plans to visit Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak’s birthplace, and other sacred sites including Kartarpur, where the guru is buried.
has remainedThe move aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to promote inter-religious and intercultural harmony. The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free route for Indian Sikhs, remains closed since the May conflict, which broke out after India accused Pakistan of backing an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir—a claim Pakistan denied.
Sikhism originated in 15th-century Punjab, a region split during the 1947 partition. While most Sikhs moved to India, some of their holiest shrines remain in Pakistan.
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