ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Foreign Office has strongly rejected allegations that members of the Hindu community were prevented from entering the country, describing the claims as “baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Foreign Office clarified that the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi had granted more than 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, scheduled from November 4 to 13, 2025. Of these, 1,932 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari–Wagah border, while approximately 300 visa holders were stopped by Indian authorities before crossing.
Officials emphasized that the immigration process on Pakistan’s side was smooth, orderly, and without obstacles. A small number of travelers were found to have incomplete documentation or failed to provide satisfactory responses to immigration queries. In such cases, they were asked to return to India following standard procedures.
The Foreign Office categorically rejected suggestions that entry was denied on religious grounds, calling such claims “malicious and factually incorrect.” The statement reiterated that Pakistan has consistently welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit sacred sites across the country.
“Any attempt to give this issue a sectarian or political color is regrettable and reflects a partisan mindset,” the spokesperson added.
Pakistan underscored that the measures taken were purely administrative and within the country’s sovereign right to regulate entry at its borders.