Pakistan Denies Claims of Hindu Pilgrims Being Turned Away at Border

Pakistan Responds to Allegations of Discrimination

Islamabad: The Foreign Office of Pakistan has dismissed allegations as "baseless and misleading" regarding the denial of entry to Hindu pilgrims traveling with a Sikh group on Thursday.

Approximately 1,900 Sikh pilgrims entered Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border to celebrate Guru Nanak's birth anniversary on Tuesday. A Hindu individual reported being turned away along with six family members due to their religious identity.

"Pakistan firmly rejects the baseless claims that Hindu community members were barred from entering the country," stated Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Husaain Andrabi in response to inquiries from the media.

He explained that a limited number of individuals were found to have incomplete documentation and could not provide satisfactory answers to immigration officials. As a result, they were asked to return to India following standard procedures.

"To imply that these individuals were refused entry based on their religion is entirely false and misleading," the spokesperson emphasized, noting that Pakistan has consistently welcomed pilgrims from all faiths.

He further clarified that the actions taken were purely administrative, reflecting Pakistan's sovereign right to manage entry into its territory.

Amar Chand, who was sent back with six family members after entering Pakistan, asserted that they had completed all necessary formalities.

Chand, a resident of Delhi, also mentioned that seven additional Indians from Lucknow were similarly turned away.