Daily Times

LAHORE: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) said on Wednesday that people from other religions accompanying Sikh Pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations would not be allowed in Pakistan.

According to the board, non-Sikhs would not be allowed to accompany Sikh pilgrims during the latter’s journey to Pakistan for future Baisakhi celebrations. The Hindus from India will, however, be allowed to commemorate Hindu religious festivals in Pakistan.

An ETPB spokesperson told the media that during Baisakhi celebrations earlier this month, 2 Hindus, while a Christian and a Muslim had accompanied the Sikh pilgrims and the decision has been taken after taking into consideration the the recent events – including that of Amarjit Singh and Kiran Bala.

ETPB spokesperson Imran Gondal said that the Indian embassy forwarded passports and others details of Sikh pilgrims to the interior minister and hence, the ETPB can not verify the identity of the pilgrims.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee has also protested against non-Sikhs joining Baisakhi and various other Sikh festives.

Moreover, it was said that the Indian Gurdawara Prabhandhak sent 718 pilgrims, while another 1,000 plus had no links with the gurdwara.