Pakistan denies barring Hindu pilgrims; says issue was administrative
“Pakistan rejects claims it barred Hindu pilgrims on religious grounds, citing documentation issues and Indian restrictions.”
Key points
- Pakistan rejects claims it barred Hindu pilgrims on religious grounds, citing documentation issues and Indian restrictions.
- The FO says it continues to welcome faith-based visitors under a facilitative regime.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Foreign Office dismissed as "baseless" media reports that Hindu community members were denied entry on religious grounds to attend Guru Nanak's birth anniversary events.
The FO said more than 2,400 visas had been issued for Indian pilgrims, with 1,932 people crossing via the Attari-Wagah border on November 4. It added that a small number were asked to return due to incomplete documentation and that India stopped about 300 visa holders from crossing.
Pakistan reiterated that it facilitates pilgrims of all faiths under an established framework and that the measures taken were administrative and in line with sovereign immigration rules.
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