Sikh Pilgrims Stopped at Faisalabad Airport Over NOC Issue

FAISALABAD, Pakistan | Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 

A group of Sikh pilgrims travelling from Pakistan to India was stopped at Faisalabad Airport on Thursday night after reportedly failing to carry the required No Objection Certificate (NOC), according to Dr Gulab Singh Shaheen, president of the Sikh Sewa Welfare Society.Shaheen called for a transparent investigation into the incident to determine why the pilgrims were brought to the airport without the required travel documentation.He said Sardar Papinder Singh, who is from Peshawar, should have been aware of the prevailing Pakistan-India situation and applicable travel restrictions.

“Religious pilgrimages should not be used for personal interests or publicity,” Shaheen said, stressing that the dignity and safety of Sikh pilgrims should remain a priority and that religious journeys must comply with applicable legal requirements.

He called for a full inquiry into the incident and urged authorities to take measures to prevent Sikh pilgrims from facing similar difficulties in the future.