Pakistan Plans to Promote Anti-India Narratives During Sikh Pilgrimage

Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies are reportedly planning to promote anti-India narratives during the upcoming visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims, known as “jathas.” A report from *Khalsa Vox* details an inter-agency meeting held on August 2, 2023, at Hotel Gulbarg in Lahore, which was attended by representatives from various security agencies, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).

During the meeting, security agencies proposed the idea of using anti-India banners and slogans at Gurdwaras, which was met with strong opposition from both the ETPB and PSGPC. An ETPB Additional Secretary cautioned that politicizing the pilgrimage could lead to India indefinitely suspending such visits. This could prove detrimental, as the ETPB has already been facing financial challenges, sustaining losses of nearly 70 million Pakistani rupees per month since the closure of the Kartarpur Corridor on May 8. The closure has compounded the impact of the cancellation of two major annual Sikh pilgrimages, further straining the financial resources of the boards involved.

The report underscores the importance of keeping religious events apolitical, with the ETPB official emphasizing that pilgrim schedules are coordinated with multiple government and security agencies to maintain the sanctity of religious gatherings. While the ETPB plans to adhere to federal directives, it is equally vital to uphold the integrity of the pilgrimage experience.

Despite the pushback, security agencies are reportedly considering conducting seminars and interactions near the accommodations of the pilgrims to promote narratives suggesting discrimination against Sikhs in India and alleged targeting of Gurdwaras. Social media posts indicate a strategy to amplify these messages on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok during the pilgrimage.

Analysts suggest that Pakistan may be attempting to leverage historical grievances and perceived economic marginalization to influence segments of the Sikh diaspora. Commentary online indicates that intertwining religious access with political agendas may be a calculated but risky strategy, potentially jeopardizing the goodwill associated with the pilgrimages.

As the pilgrimage approaches, the situation raises questions about how religious celebrations can be conducted without being entangled in political narratives, and the potential repercussions for both the Sikh community and Pakistan’s international relations. The ETPB’s stance reflects a commitment to preserving the religious significance of the event, even amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations.