By Manahil Jaffer

Pakistan’s role in creating a safe and welcoming space for religious minorities, particularly the Sikh community, has gained international recognition in recent years, with notable initiatives underscoring its commitment to interfaith harmony. At the forefront of these initiatives is the Kartarpur Corridor, which opened in November 2019, symbolizing a historic gesture of goodwill. This 4.7-kilometer corridor directly connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan—the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. With this visa-free access, Pakistan has allowed thousands of Sikh pilgrims to fulfill a sacred obligation, providing safe passage to one of their most revered sites.

Recently, a delegation of 50 Sikh visitors from California undertook a pilgrimage to Pakistan to reconnect with the historical and cultural landmarks significant to their faith. Their visit included stops at Jamrud Fort, Bala Hisar Fort in Peshawar, and Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh. The reception was marked by joy, warmth, and an appreciation of the efforts Pakistan has undertaken to preserve Sikh heritage. The delegation was welcomed with traditional Punjabi music by the Frontier Corps North Band, and members were encouraged to join in with traditional Sikh dances.

Pakistan has invested heavily in preserving Sikh heritage sites, recognizing that these places are essential not only to Sikhism but also to the cultural fabric of the region. Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, and Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad, among others, have been maintained and restored to accommodate pilgrims from around the world. Gurdwara Panja Sahib, a key pilgrimage site, marks a place where Guru Nanak is believed to have performed a miracle, and it attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Around 2,400 Indian Sikhs arrived in Pakistan via the Wagah border on April 13, 2024 to celebrate the Baisakhi festival at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal. Sikh group leaders Kulant Singh and Amarjit Singh expressed their happiness and emphasized the need for a smoother visa process for Sikh pilgrims eager to visit holy sites in Pakistan.

A delegation from California on 28 Oct 2024, in their tour of Jamrud Fort and Bala Hisar Fort, was given historical insights into the Sikh era and the significance of these sites during Sikh rule in the early 19th century. Jamrud Fort, a strategic site for the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, stands as a symbol of the historical Sikh presence in the Khyber region. Built in 1837, it was central to the Sikh military’s defense in the region, standing at the gateway to the Khyber Pass. Within the fort, the delegation was shown a Sikh-era memorial, evoking memories of a bygone era when Sikh leaders sought to extend their influence in the region. Bala Hisar Fort, another historic site that the delegation visited, is a fortress in Peshawar with a legacy dating back over 3,000 years, although it was significantly rebuilt by the Ranjit Singh.

During the delegation’s visit to Peshawar and Khyber District, the community engagement went beyond simple tours of historical landmarks. The hospitality extended by the Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps, and local communities highlighted a society that values multicultural exchange and peace. Members of the Sikh delegation openly expressed their gratitude, noting the respect and reverence shown for their traditions and the historical importance attached to Sikh heritage sites in Pakistan. The support from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps in securing and organizing these tours is part of a larger national strategy to promote religious tourism and foster a more inclusive national identity.

The Kartarpur Corridor remains a crowning achievement of Pakistan’s initiatives for religious inclusivity. Despite numerous obstacles in terms of diplomatic relations and security concerns, Pakistan constructed the corridor in record time—within 10 months—demonstrating an unprecedented level of dedication and planning. The project’s cost, reported to be around USD 17 million, reflects Pakistan’s resolve to create a positive environment for Sikh pilgrims, despite limited economic resources. Additionally, in an effort to streamline access, Pakistan waived the US 20 $ service fee for pilgrims on special occasions, such as Guru Nanak’s birthday anniversary, underscoring its dedication to facilitating religious access for Sikhs around the world. According to official figures, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur has welcomed over 192000 Sikh pilgrims since the corridor’s opening, demonstrating its significance to the Sikh community and the immense impact of Pakistan’s decision to facilitate such visits. This growing influx of pilgrims is indicative of the success of Pakistan’s efforts, as more Sikhs now feel encouraged to visit their historical and religious sites in Pakistan, strengthening people-to-people bonds that transcend borders.

Pakistan's religious tourism and animal sacrifice sectors, along with related exports, contribute a substantial $7.8 billion to the economy annually. However, the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that Sikh tourism alone could contribute Rs. 18 billion annually to Pakistan's economy, while also creating 82,000 jobs.

Pakistan’s protection of these sites is grounded in its broader policies of religious freedom, enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees religious minorities the right to practice and profess their faith freely, and state institutions are mandated to ensure the preservation of cultural and religious landmarks. Interfaith harmony initiatives within Pakistan are also evident in policies regarding other minority communities, such as Christians, Hindus, Parsis and Budhists etc.

Pakistan’s efforts toward ensuring safe spaces for religious minorities have resonated globally, building a narrative that highlights its proactive approach to interfaith harmony. In a region often marked by conflict and division, Pakistan’s initiatives to open pathways of understanding and respect for all faiths illuminate a path toward peace, coexistence, and cultural preservation