Islamabad: The Foreign Office has strongly denied Indian allegations regarding Sikh pilgrims’ visas, saying that the matter was administrative in nature, which is extremely regrettable to give a religious or political color to it.
According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued more than 2400 visas for the celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak’s birthday.
The spokesperson said that 1932 Indian pilgrims reached Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border, however, Indian authorities stopped about 300 people from crossing the border.
The Foreign Office statement said that the Pakistani immigration process was completely transparent, orderly and in accordance with the law. Some pilgrims were directed to return due to incomplete travel documents.
The spokesperson clarified that Pakistan’s action was not based on religious discrimination but on administrative principles. Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all religions and takes full measures to facilitate them.
He said that the use of this issue by the Indian media and government for political gains is condemnable, while Pakistan is committed to promoting interfaith respect and peace.
