A new wave of Khalistan-linked protests has erupted in Canada just days before the G7 summit, reigniting concerns about extremist activity and foreign influence. This time, the controversy has deepened with the sight of the Pakistani flag flying alongside Khalistan banners—a move that many observers say is no coincidence, but rather a clear signal of the movement’s external backing.
Protests Target PM Modi’s Visit, Demand G7 Action
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, Sikh groups tied to the Khalistan movement—most prominently the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)—have announced a series of protests aimed at “ambushing Modi’s politics from landing to take-off”. SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (designated a terrorist by India), has released provocative statements and videos, vowing to hold Modi accountable for the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistan advocate killed last year.
The protests are designed to pressure G7 nations to confront India over alleged “murder-for-hire” plots targeting Khalistan activists abroad. Organizers have also accused India of conducting anti-terror operations in Pakistan under the guise of “Operation Sindoor,” using charged rhetoric that mirrors Pakistani terminology.
Pakistan Flag at Khalistan Rally: Coincidence or Signal?
A recent viral video from a pro-Khalistan parade in Vancouver shows supporters carrying both Khalistan and Pakistani flags, along with effigies of Indian leaders. This is not the first time such imagery has appeared at Khalistan-linked events in Canada; past protests have also featured Pakistani and Khalistan flags flown together. The symbolism has not gone unnoticed, fueling speculation and concern about the nature of support behind the movement.
Evidence of Pakistan’s Backing: Not Just Allegations
Multiple investigations and intelligence reports have pointed to Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Khalistan movement, particularly through its intelligence agency, the ISI. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director recently acknowledged Pakistan’s role in influencing Canadian politics and supporting Khalistanis, describing Islamabad’s engagement as an effort to counter India’s influence.
Further, exposés and think tank reports have detailed how Pakistan leverages groups like SFJ to destabilize India, with deep connections between key Khalistan activists and Pakistani nationals. The so-called “K2 strategy”—an alliance between Khalistani and Kashmiri separatists—has been documented as a means to multiply the effectiveness of anti-India activities.
“Pakistan is the main force nurturing the drive to create a ‘so-called Khalistan’… leveraging extremists based in Canada, including supporters with ties to terrorism, because of the lack of traction in Punjab.”
— Macdonald-Laurier Institute report
Extremism and Intimidation: A Growing Concern in Canada
Canadian journalists and observers have reported rising extremism and intimidation linked to Khalistan protests. Mocha Bezirgan, an investigative journalist who covers Khalistan-linked activities, was recently assaulted while reporting from a pro-Khalistan rally in Vancouver. He described the movement as orchestrated by SFJ, with political cover from organizations like the World Sikh Organization, and noted the reluctance of Canadian politicians to distance themselves from such groups.
The protests have also featured glorification of violence, including honoring the assassins of Indira Gandhi and suicide bombers, further raising alarms about the radicalization of a fringe segment of the diaspora.
Community Response and Diplomatic Fallout
While pro-Khalistan protests have been loud and visible, several Indo-Canadian groups have voiced strong support for PM Modi’s visit, emphasizing that the protesters represent only a small fraction of the two-million-strong Sikh diaspora in Canada. Nonetheless, the events have strained India-Canada relations, with New Delhi repeatedly expressing concern over extremist activity on Canadian soil and Ottawa facing criticism for perceived inaction.
The Message Behind the Flags
The appearance of the Pakistani flag alongside Khalistan banners at Canadian protests is widely seen as a pointed message rather than a coincidence. The evidence—intelligence findings, public statements, and the choreography of recent rallies—suggests that the Khalistan movement’s most vocal overseas elements are not acting in isolation but are part of a broader, foreign-backed campaign to destabilize India.
As the world’s attention turns to the G7 summit, the protests in Canada serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between diaspora politics, extremism, and international geopolitics. The message from those waving both flags is indeed loud and clear: the forces backing the Khalistan movement are neither hidden nor accidental—they are part of a deliberate, ongoing strategy that continues to challenge both Indian and Canadian authorities.
