Pakistan Denies Allegations of Hindu Community Being Denied Entry
Pakistan has firmly rejected allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into its territory. The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, issued a statement clarifying that such claims are baseless and aimed at distorting facts.
The statement came in response to media reports suggesting that certain individuals from the Hindu community were not allowed to enter Pakistan. Andrabi emphasized that these allegations were not only misleading but also an attempt to politicize an issue that was purely administrative.
Visa Issuance for Sikh Pilgrims
Andrabi highlighted that the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi had issued over 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India. These pilgrims were invited to participate in the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which took place from 4-13 November 2025.
On 4 November 2025, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border. However, it was noted that approximately 300 visa holders were prevented by Indian authorities from crossing over. The spokesperson stated that the entire immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth and orderly, with no hindrances reported.
Administrative Actions Taken
Andrabi explained that a very small number of individuals were found to have incomplete documentation. These individuals were unable to provide satisfactory responses to immigration authorities. As a result, they were requested to return to the Indian side in accordance with standard procedures.
He stressed that the actions taken were purely administrative and not based on religious grounds. “To suggest that these individuals were denied entry on religious grounds is completely incorrect and mischievous,” he said.
Commitment to Religious Freedom
Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit its sacred religious sites. Andrabi reiterated that this welcoming approach is supported by a well-established and facilitative framework. He emphasized that the actions taken were consistent with Pakistan’s sovereign right to regulate entry into its territory.
Criticism of Misleading Narratives
The spokesperson criticized any attempts to give this issue a communal or political color. He described such efforts as regrettable and reflective of a prejudiced mindset that increasingly dominates the Indian government and media narratives.
Key Points Summary
- Pakistan categorically rejected allegations of denying entry to members of the Hindu community.
- The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, called the claims unfounded and misleading.
- Over 2,400 visas were issued to Sikh pilgrims for the celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary.
- A total of 1,932 pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border on 4 November 2025.
- Approximately 300 visa holders were prevented from crossing by Indian authorities.
- A small number of individuals were asked to return due to incomplete documentation.
- The actions taken were administrative, not based on religious grounds.
- Pakistan has a long-standing commitment to welcoming pilgrims of all faiths.
- Any attempt to politicize the issue is seen as regrettably biased.