The recent deportation of a Sikh pilgrimage group (jatha) from Pakistan serves as yet another glaring reminder of the country’s systemic and historical disregard for the Sikh community. A group of 23 pilgrims, including British national Rupa Kaur, was abruptly expelled after raising legitimate concerns about the poor conditions at two of Sikhism’s holiest sites—Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Their crime? Exposing the inadequate facilities and substandard management of langar and cleanliness in these sacred spaces.
This incident raises serious questions about Pakistan’s commitment to the Sikh community, particularly when viewed through the lens of its self-portrayed image as a protector of Sikh interests. Despite often positioning itself as an ally to Sikh causes, the treatment meted out to Sikh pilgrims tells a different story. If Pakistan were genuinely invested in the well-being of Sikh religious practices, it would have taken the concerns raised by Rupa Kaur and her fellow pilgrims as constructive criticism rather than a threat.
The viral videos showcasing the grim state of affairs in these Gurdwaras struck a chord with the global Sikh community. They highlighted the inefficiency and mismanagement of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials and the Gurdwara Committee, whose responsibility is to maintain these sacred sites. Instead of taking immediate corrective measures, the authorities retaliated by deporting the entire jatha—a move that smacks of intolerance and suppression of free speech.
The role of ‘Gill Tour UK,’ a travel agency owned by Zeeshan Benadicate Gill, a British national of Pakistani origin, also warrants scrutiny. Was the deportation a knee-jerk reaction orchestrated to shield the ETPB’s failure from further scrutiny? Did Pakistani authorities fear that continued exposure of their mismanagement would erode their diplomatic posturing as a supposed friend of Sikhs? These questions demand answers.
For years, Pakistan has employed a dual narrative when it comes to Sikhs. On one hand, it extends superficial gestures like opening the Kartarpur Corridor, touting it as an act of goodwill. On the other, it consistently fails to uphold the dignity and proper maintenance of Sikh religious sites, demonstrating a complete lack of accountability. This is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern of systemic neglect. The Sikh community must recognize this reality and question why Pakistan has failed to meet even the basic standards of respect for Sikh religious institutions.
At the heart of this issue lies a broader concern about religious freedom and the right to pilgrimage without political interference. Deporting pilgrims for voicing concerns about basic amenities is not just an attack on those individuals—it is an affront to the global Sikh diaspora.
The world must take note of Pakistan’s duplicity. If the country truly wishes to be seen as a guardian of Sikh heritage, it must first prove itself through action, not just empty rhetoric. Until then, incidents like the deportation of this jatha will remain a stark testament to Pakistan’s systemic mistreatment of Sikhs and the utter disregard for their religious sentiments.