Pakistan’s Sikh Leader Calls for Stricter Pilgrim Policy After Indian Woman Goes Missing and Marries Locally

NANKANA SAHIB, Pakistan (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 
 

Pakistan’s top Sikh representative has called for new restrictions on visiting Indian Sikh pilgrim groups after an Indian woman separated from her jatha, converted to Islam and married a Pakistani man during the Guru Nanak birth anniversary celebrations.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora — Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) — said the incident exposed gaps in the current system and warranted immediate policy review.
Speaking to journalists earlier, Arora questioned why India’s SGPC allowed a lone woman to travel with a group, adding that Pakistan was considering tighter regulations for yatrees, including limiting unsupervised movement during their stay.
In a separate conversation with Nazrana Times Pakistan Bureau Chief Ali Imran Chattha, Arora urged Indian media to “exercise restraint and verify facts,” praising Pakistani media for “responsible coverage.” He said Sikh pilgrims enjoyed exceptional hospitality during the celebrations, which had been acknowledged by Sikhs worldwide.
Arora said Pakistan would formally request, through SGPC, that no lone female pilgrim be sent in future jathas. He added that he would soon issue a policy statement after receiving federal approval. Once Sarbjit Kaur is located, he said, a full inquiry will be conducted and action taken strictly under Pakistani law.