AI Generated Summary
- It is the holy land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life engaged in farming while spreading the message of humanity, selfless service, and universal brotherhood.
- After decades of prayers and aspirations from millions of Sikhs worldwide, the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor was celebrated as a symbol of peace and devotion that transcended political borders.
- The time has come for the international community to pay greater attention to this issue and ensure that religious faith is never exploited as a political weapon.
For the Sikh community, Kartarpur Sahib is not merely a religious site; it is a sacred center of faith, history, and deep emotions. It is the holy land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life engaged in farming while spreading the message of humanity, selfless service, and universal brotherhood. After decades of prayers and aspirations from millions of Sikhs worldwide, the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor was celebrated as a symbol of peace and devotion that transcended political borders. Unfortunately, the reality is that Pakistan has repeatedly turned this sacred route into a tool for political interests, propaganda, and financial gain.
For years, the Pakistani government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have charged Indian pilgrims a fee of $20 and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) pilgrims $5 for visiting Kartarpur Sahib. This fee has remained a subject of continuous controversy. No major Gurdwara anywhere in the world imposes a mandatory charge simply for paying obeisance. The Sikh tradition has always been based on the principles of “Sangat and Pangat,” where every individual is treated equally. Pakistan’s policy reflects a mindset that views religious sites not as places of devotion but as instruments of control and revenue generation.
Sikh organizations and devotees have consistently opposed this fee, arguing that it is contrary to the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and free access to holy shrines. Many have compared it to the Mughal-era Jizya tax, under which non-Muslims were compelled to pay a levy solely because of their faith. In the 21st century, imposing a tax on pilgrims simply because they come from another country can reasonably be viewed as a symbol of religious discrimination and outdated thinking. Reports have also suggested that even pilgrims from within Pakistan are charged different categories of fees for visiting the shrine.
More concerning is the repeated use of Sikh sentiments for Pakistan’s political agenda. Following “Operation Sindoor,” reports emerged that access to Kartarpur Sahib had been temporarily suspended and that the route may soon reopen. However, Pakistan continues to insist on retaining the pilgrimage fee. This raises serious questions about whether the country values Sikh religious sentiments or prioritizes its political image and financial interests.
Equally troubling are reports that posters portraying “Operation Sindoor” as a Pakistani victory have been displayed within the corridor complex. A religious shrine should never become a platform for military triumphalism or political propaganda. Gurdwaras are centers of peace, spirituality, and service—not venues for political messaging. Such displays not only hurt the sentiments of pilgrims visiting from India but also undermine the very spirit and purpose of the Kartarpur Corridor.
Pakistan must understand that the Sikh community will not tolerate any interference with its religious sentiments. Kartarpur Sahib is not the property of any government; it is a shared heritage of the entire Sikh Panth and, indeed, of humanity itself. If Pakistan genuinely wishes to demonstrate respect toward Sikhs, it should abolish the pilgrimage fee, keep religious sites free from political propaganda, and ensure that devotees can visit with dignity and respect.
India has consistently viewed the Kartarpur Corridor as a bridge of peace and goodwill between peoples. However, Pakistan’s repeated attempts to use it for political purposes threaten that vision. The time has come for the international community to pay greater attention to this issue and ensure that religious faith is never exploited as a political weapon.
Today, the prayer of the entire Sikh community is simple: that Kartarpur Sahib remains accessible without political obstacles, discriminatory fees, or propaganda. Holy shrines may stand within the borders of a nation, but the faith and devotion they inspire know no borders.
