Pakistani Sikhs Reach Zero Line at Kartarpur Corridor as India Restricts Access

During religious ceremonies at the Kartarpur Corridor, Sikh devotees on the Pakistani side were allowed access to the Zero Line, while security forces in India stopped Sikh pilgrims from moving toward the border.

On the Pakistani side, the Sikh congregation easily reached the Zero Line and participated in special Ardas, Shabad Kirtan and Aarti as part of their traditional religious ceremonies.

In contrast, on the Indian side, Sikh pilgrims led by Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib, Sardar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, were stopped by Indian forces as they attempted to proceed toward the Zero Line.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that the state of Pakistan had presented the Sikh community with the historic gift of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, adding that Pakistan had always championed the rights and religious freedom of minorities.

He said the Constitution of Pakistan provides every citizen with full religious freedom and described the Kartarpur Corridor as a clear symbol of religious tolerance, interfaith harmony and Pakistan’s deep commitment to the Sikh community.

Meanwhile, Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib India, Sardar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said the Sikh community wants the corridor to be fully operational so that devotees can regularly visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

He further said that reopening the corridor would lead to a positive improvement in relations between the two countries and contribute to a more cordial overall environment.