Story perspectives

Sikh Pilgrims Arrive in Pakistan Amid Tensions, Seeking Harmony

11/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Over 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan for a 10-day Guru Nanak festival.
This is the first cross-border movement since May border closures after deadly clashes that left over 70 dead.
The Pakistani high commission says the pilgrimage aims to foster interreligious harmony.
Pilgrims will visit Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur, but Kartarpur Corridor remains closed.
Clashes followed accusations against Pakistan over a Kashmir attack, which Pakistan denied.

History

Historical Context

The Kartarpur Corridor, opened on November 9, 2019, allowed over 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, a significant site linked to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This pilgrimage aimed to foster interreligious harmony amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding Kashmir, where violent clashes have claimed over 70 lives.

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Story summary

Over 2,100 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan for a 10-day Guru Nanak festival.
This is the first cross-border movement since May border closures after deadly clashes that left over 70 dead.
The Pakistani high commission says the pilgrimage aims to foster interreligious harmony.
Pilgrims will visit Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur, but Kartarpur Corridor remains closed.
Clashes followed accusations against Pakistan over a Kashmir attack, which Pakistan denied.

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