02-Jul-2024
According to sources, Pakistani Sikhs are concerned that the conflicts between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Indian Punjab might weaken these crucial institutions. PSGPC president Ramesh Singh Arora, also Pakistani Punjab's first Sikh minister, stressed that the SGPC is the supreme religious body for Sikhs worldwide and that they are disheartened by the allegations from dissident leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal against its leadership. He called for investigations into allegations of sacrilege and violations of Sikh conduct.
28-Jun-2024
The relocation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue from Lahore Fort to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan highlights broader concerns regarding religious fundamentalism and challenges faced by minority communities. Originally installed to honor his legacy, the statue faced multiple instances of vandalism, prompting its move to Kartarpur Sahib. The statue's repeated vandalism at Lahore Fort and subsequent move suggest ongoing tensions around cultural heritage and the representation of non-Islamic figures in Pakistan's historical narrative.
28-Jun-2024
A video showing local Muslims, led by Deputy Mayor Ameen Butt, opposing the reopening of a Gurdwara that had been closed for 76 years in Faisalabad, Pakistan, went viral. The incident highlights broader issues of intolerance, discrimination, and violence against Sikhs and other minorities. International human rights organizations have called for legal reforms and the protection of minority rights in Pakistan.
25-Jun-2024
Pakistan’s Punjab province government on June 25 approved the Sikh Marriage Act 2024, marking a significant development for the Sikh community by allowing individuals aged 18 and above to register their marriages and divorces. This initiative, described as historic by Punjab’s first Sikh Minister for Minorities and Human Rights, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, makes Punjab the first region globally to adopt such legislation. The Act includes provisions for a conciliation process in divorce cases and aims to foster interfaith harmony by revising school curricula.
25-Jun-2024
Punjab's first Sikh Minister and President (Pardhan) of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, on June 25 announced that the restored statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be reinstalled at Kartarpur Sahib on June 26. The nine-foot-tall bronze statue, previously vandalized, is being placed to coincide with the visit of 455 Sikhs from India attending festivities for Singh’s death anniversary. Arora assured enhanced security measures for the statue at this significant Sikh historical and religious site near the Indian border.
21-Jun-2024
On June 21, a group of 448 Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border to mark the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The pilgrims, representing various Sikh organizations such as Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), were granted special arrangements by Pakistani authorities for travel, accommodation, and security. They will attend the main commemorative event at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 29 and will visit several other significant gurdwaras during their stay until June 30.
10-Jun-2024
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal issued a public apology on June 10 after his controversial remarks about Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh sparked outrage, particularly from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh. Akmal's earlier derogatory comments towards the Sikh community prompted him to express deep regret on social media, acknowledging that his words were inappropriate and disrespectful. Harbhajan Singh had criticized Akmal, emphasizing the historical contributions of Sikhs and calling for greater sensitivity and respect in sports commentary.
08-Jun-2024
On June 8, more than 800 Sikhs from India arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Jor Mela, a three-day festival commemorating the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh master, Guru Arjan Dev, at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan. They were warmly welcomed by Ramesh Singh Arora, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) at the Wagah border.
05-Jun-2024
The Pakistan High Commission recently issued 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the 'Martyrdom Day' of Guru Arjun Dev. Due to a row over the Nanakshahi Calendar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) did not request to send 'jathas' to Pakistan. The SGPC will observe the occasion on June 10, 2024, while Pakistan's event will be on June 16, 2024.
28-May-2024
Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, proposed in an interview with ABN News that Sikhs could control their holy shrines in Pakistan, including Kartarpur Sahib, if they exchanged it for Jammu and Kashmir or created Khalistan and merged with Pakistan. His remarks, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on reclaiming Kartarpur Sahib, sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning Basit's statements as an affront to religious sentiments and an attempt to manipulate sacred sites for political gain.
27-Apr-2024
According to sources, after an attack targeting a Sikh hakim, resulting in the death of his bodyguard, the Sikh community in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in Peshawar, is facing a renewed threat from terrorist groups. This has prompted a second wave of migration to Pakistani Punjab or India for safety. There has been an uptick in violence against Sikh community members recently, leading them to flee due to the failure of government-provided security measures.
23-Apr-2024
A police officer assigned to protect Sikh medical practitioner Baba Surjeet Singh, known as Constable Farhad, was killed by unidentified gunmen on April 23 in Peshawar, Pakistan. The police are currently investigating the incident.
22-Apr-2024
Pakistan’s additional secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Rana Shahid Saleem, stated on April 22 that Pakistan aims to enhance religious tourism, particularly among Sikhs, by improving facilities and infrastructure at key religious sites. He made these remarks while speaking at the Wagah border near Lahore in Punjab Province, Pakistan, bidding farewell to Indian Sikh pilgrims returning from a 10-day pilgrimage to celebrate Vaisakhi in Pakistan. Saleem emphasized plans to improve accessibility, accommodation, and security to attract more Sikh pilgrims. Additionally, he discussed initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor and efforts to preserve Sikh heritage and culture.
19-Apr-2024
Ramesh Singh Arora, Pakistan Punjab's first Sikh minister for minorities affairs and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), recently sparked controversy over the purchase of three luxury vehicles totalling approximately PKR 5 crore. These transactions, allegedly funded from PSGPC accounts, drew criticism due to the pressing need for gurdwara maintenance under its purview. Despite assertions that the vehicles were not for personal use, concerns have been raised, with calls urging a focus on prioritizing gurdwara development over extravagant expenditures.
18-Apr-2024
Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, speaking at a ceremony in Darshan Devery at Kartarpur, Narowal district, Punjab province, Pakistan, on April 18, announced plans to improve facilities for Sikh pilgrims. This includes constructing modern hotels at their holy sites, underscoring the government's dedication to offering superior services and security.
13-Apr-2024
On April 13, Sikh pilgrims from various parts of the world, including 2,843 from India, arrived in Pakistan to celebrate Khalsa Janam Din and participate in the Baisakhi Mela festivities. The Indian pilgrims were warmly welcomed at the Wagah border in Lahore district and then transported to Hasanabdal via a special train for the main event at Gurudwara Panja Saheb on April 14 in Hassan Abdal, Attock district, Punjab province, Pakistan. The pilgrimage will also include visits to Nankana Sahib, Sacha Sauda, Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, and Gurudwara Rori Sahib before concluding on April 22.
07-Apr-2024
Sikh pilgrims from India are set to visit Pakistan on April 13 to partake in Khalsa Janma Day and Vaisakhi Mela celebrations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials have stated that they have ensured all necessary facilities are provided.
06-Apr-2024
A statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office in Islamabad on April 6 condemned Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks implying extrajudicial killings in Pakistani territory. The statement asserted that India's admission corroborates Pakistan's longstanding suspicions regarding India's involvement in such actions.
29-Mar-2024
A report by the surveillance branch of the Punjab Police in Pakistan has revealed that over 200 police officers and officials across 10 districts, including Lahore, are implicated as facilitators of drug dealers. In Lahore alone, 30 officers were named, with 35 cases registered against them. In Faisalabad, 62 police employees, including sub-inspectors, were found involved in drug peddling. The report also details the involvement of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), constables, and drivers, with only 2 officials currently in jail. It includes information on related drug gangs and various narcotics such as hashish, heroin, ice, and crystal powder.
23-Mar-2024
On March 23, supporters and followers marked the 93rd death anniversary of independence war heroes Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, and Sukh Dev and demanded the reopening of their case for justice, akin to the reevaluation of former Prime Minister (PM) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's case in Lahore, Pakistan. Bhagat Singh, revered across the subcontinent, was executed by British rulers in 1931 at Shadman Chowk, Lahore, sparking calls for justice and the renaming of the square after him. The Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, Pakistan, organized the event, urging the Supreme Court to revisit Singh's case and grant him national hero status, echoing similar actions for Bhutto.
07-Mar-2024
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who made history by becoming the first Sikh to hold a ministerial position in Pakistan's Punjab, stated in a phone interview with The Tribune on March 7 that he aims to foster ties between India's east Punjab and Pakistan's west Punjab, emphasizing prosperity on both sides of the border.
06-Mar-2024
On March 6, Ramesh Singh Arora, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), made history by becoming the first Sikh to be sworn in as a minister in Punjab province since the Partition. A member of the provincial assembly on a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket, Arora hails from Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev. Arora's appointment marks a significant step towards inclusivity and representation for Sikhs in Pakistani governance.
01-Mar-2024
Ramesh Singh Arora, a member of Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, was unanimously elected as the President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) for a three-year term in Lahore, Pakistan, on March 1. He also assumed the role of ambassador to the Kartarpur Corridor, replacing Ameer Singh. The PSGPC, chaired by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Arshad Farid Khan, underwent changes with new members appointed, including three from the government
26-Feb-2024
The recent reshuffle in the Pakistan Singh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC) has raised concerns due to the inclusion of members with reported anti-India sentiments. Notably, Ramesh Singh Arora, Tara Singh, Maheesh Singh, and Bhagat Singh, all first-generation converted Sikhs, have been flagged for their alleged connections to individuals wanted by India or banned Khalistani terror outfits like the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Tara Singh, in particular, is known to be close to Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode. Additionally, Gian Singh Chawla and Dr. Mimpal Singh, also part of the committee, have been noted for their anti-India views.
26-Feb-2024
According to Pakistani sources, Murtaza Ali Shah, a journalist associated with GEO News, allegedly faces life-threatening situations orchestrated by India due to his reporting on Khalistan-related issues and pro-Khalistan Sikh activists. Shah's coverage of Sikh issues, particularly the Khalistan Referendum and the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), drew attention from India, resulting in the banning of his social media accounts last year.
31-Jul-2013
Three Sikh extremists, Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Dilbag Singh, and Harjit Kaur were convicted in the UK of carrying out the life-threatening attack on Lieutenant General (retired) Kuldip Singh Brar on September 30, 2012. Another suspect, Barjinder Singh Sangha, has already pleaded guilty. The Crown Prosecution Service in a statement said the three "were convicted at Southwark Crown Court for grievous bodily harm on retired Indian Army officer, LG Kuldeep Singh Brar, aged 78. The attack took place whilst he was on holiday in London with his wife on September 30, 2012."
15-Jul-2013
The trial of two Sikh men and a woman accused of stabbing Lieutenant General (retired) K. S. Brar opened in London (UK). Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Dilbagh Singh, and Harjit Kaur pleaded not guilty to the charge of "unlawful wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm" to the attack, which took place on September 30, 2012, and are up for trial at Southwark Crown Court. The fourth key accused, 33-year-old Barjinder Singh Sangha, had pleaded guilty to the charge of "unlawful wounding" and will be sentenced at the end of the trial.
22-Nov-2012
Dilbag Singh, who was arrested in London, has been charged in connection with an assassination attempt on Lieutenant General (retired) Kuldip Singh Brar.
06-Oct-2012
Scotland Yard released nine persons on bail in London who were arrested in connection with the attack on Lieutenant General (retired) Kuldeep Singh Brar. Three men will remain in custody. An extensive fundraising campaign is being undertaken by secessionist Sikh groups in Europe and North America at the instance of Pakistan's ISI to revive terrorism in Punjab. Sources in security agencies have informed about the movement of banned BKI, KCF, ISYF terror groups in western countries to radicalize Sikh youth by showing them doctored footage of Operation Blue Star and other propaganda materials. NIA sources confirmed that BKI still has a large network of sleeper cells across Punjab.
30-Sep-2012
Lt General (Retired) KS Brar, who led the Operation Blue Star in 1984, was attacked and injured in London. He was stabbed by four men outside a hotel. He received minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
19-Apr-2001
The BKI has dissolved its UK wing following the ban imposed by the British Government on 21 different terrorist organizations, including the ISYF. It was dissolved by Avtar Singh Sanghera, vice-president, BKI. He, however, said the outfit had submitted a memorandum to Jack Straw, British Home Secretary, for lifting the ban. He alleged the ban was imposed at the behest of the Indian Government as both the organizations had wings all over the world.
23-Dec-1991
An 11-member delegation of the Panthic Committee and Khalistan Council, led by Dr. Chauhan, met with former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar in London. They offered to hold talks with someone who could resolve the Punjab issue. The delegation claimed to represent Dal Khalsa, Akali Dal, and Khalsa Lehar.