Indian Sikh pilgrims returning home after attending Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s 420th martyrdom anniversary praised Pakistan’s hospitality and religious freedom on Friday. They also called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor to strengthen religious and cultural ties. The visit marked a significant step in promoting people-to-people contact between Pakistan and India.
The commemorations were jointly observed by Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and India for the first time in 14 years. The development followed the resolution of long-standing issues surrounding the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary. Pilgrims were seen off at the Wagah border by Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and senior officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board.
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Arora said Pakistan would always welcome Sikh pilgrims with open arms. He said visitors were returning with memories of love, respect and hospitality. Arora also urged Sikh religious leadership to engage Indian authorities for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, describing it as an important bridge for religious harmony and stronger people-to-people relations.
The nearly three-kilometre Kartarpur Corridor provides visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak spent his final years. Arora said the corridor promotes peace and understanding while enabling Sikh pilgrims to perform religious obligations with ease. He added that Pakistan was working to restore and reopen more than 70 historic gurdwaras, with restoration already underway at 17 sites.
Indian delegation leader Sardar Bhupinder Singh thanked Pakistani authorities for the arrangements and praised their efforts. Pilgrims Harpreet Kaur and Manpreet Kaur said their concerns disappeared after experiencing warmth and respect during their stay. The visitors expressed hope that religious tourism and cultural exchanges would continue to expand, helping improve mutual understanding and contribute to regional peace.