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.
06-Feb-2024
According to reports, the Sikh Federation UK (SFUK), which aims to advocate for Sikh identity in the United Kingdom (UK) census, is facing scrutiny for its perceived disconnect from Sikh principles. Recent reports highlight a decline in the exclusive identification as 'Sikh' ethnicity, casting doubt on SFUK's agenda. The organization's promotion of Khalistan and its hostility towards Lord Indarjit Singh's stance on census classification raise concerns about its alignment with extremist factions and its commitment to Sikh values. It is imperative for mainstream Sikhs to reclaim the narrative, prioritize genuine educational efforts, and safeguard the essence of Sikhism from misappropriation by fringe elements within SFUK.
03-Feb-2024
According to reports, the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a United Kingdom (UK) citizen imprisoned in India since November 2017 on allegations of being a Khalistani operative, has become a point of contention between the UK and India, impacting bilateral relations. Johal faces multiple charges, including murder and terrorism, and UK officials are pushing for a swift resolution. Despite regular consular visits, his family and lawyers argue that there is no concrete evidence against him, claiming he was merely an internet marketer. Meanwhile, his associates are actively campaigning through media, political lobbying, and international organizations for his release.
28-Jan-2024
A meeting is scheduled to take place on January 30 after Preet Kaur Gill, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the United Kingdom (UK) Labour Party, raised concerns about an 'intelligence hit list,' which targets 20 Sikhs, including six British Sikhs, who have been labelled as enemies of the state by Indian media. According to reports, some Sikh activists have received Osman warnings due to threats, harassment, and intimidation. There are fears of transnational repression following evidence linking the Indian government to the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both the Indian embassy in London and the UK government have declined to comment on the matter.
28-Jan-2024
Ancient House Museum has been awarded nearly GBP 200,000 in grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to mark the legacy of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh empire, in Thetford in Norfolk in the United Kingdom (UK). Founded in 1924 by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, the museum will use the grant to narrate the family's story through various displays.
26-Jan-2024
On January 26, India's Republic Day, members of the Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) staged a protest in London, United Kingdom (UK), calling for Punjab's independence and denouncing the policies of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. Paramjit Singh Pamma, an SFJ leader, reaffirmed their commitment to resist Modi's regime and strive for independence.
23-Jan-2024
According to sources, Human Rights barrister Michael Polak, who was involved in both the Litvinenko case and the death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), has urged the UK Home Secretary to investigate Khanda's sudden demise. While West Midlands Police cited acute myeloid leukaemia as the cause of death, Polak suspects foul play, pointing to alleged negligence in the police investigation. Khanda, a supporter of the Khalistan movement, faced threats from Indian security services, leading to suspicions of potential poisoning linked to his activism. The family was denied access to the body, and a RAW agent allegedly left the UK after Khanda's death. West Midlands Police maintains it was a natural death.
18-Jan-2024
According to reports, a cross-party group of United Kingdom (UK) Members of Parliament, including Labour MPs Preet Kaur Gill, Afzal Khan, and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi; Conservative Caroline Nokes; and SNP's Kirsten Oswald and Martin Docherty-Hughes, have urgently requested a meeting with Security Minister Tom Tugendhat via a letter. The request follows reports of "threat to life warnings" given to British Sikhs amid rising concerns about their treatment globally by the Indian government. The letter cites instances such as the alleged extrajudicial killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a plot to assassinate another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in the United States (US). The MPs seek reassurance and discuss measures to protect the British Sikh community from unlawful threats.
14-Jan-2024
According to sources, Sikhs living in the United Kingdom (UK) have reportedly received Osman notices, in which West Midlands police warn of a 'threat to life' against them, amid heightened tensions over the separatist movement in India. The warning follows calls for a deeper investigation into the sudden death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda in Birmingham, UK, in June 2023. Sikh leaders in Britain cautioned that the Indian government is suppressing dissent within the diaspora.
13-Jan-2024
According to reports, British Sikh activist Kaldip Singh Lehal alias Deepa Singh, was detained at Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom (UK), under Section 7 of the Terrorism Act on December 25, 2023. He claimed that he was targeted for his activism. Singh, who had previously faced home raids in 2018, alleged the suppression of voices critical of UK-India collusion in Sikh repression. Counter Terrorism Policing South East confirmed the stop but didn't disclose details or confirm Singh's identity.
04-Jan-2024
United Kingdom (UK) Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi hosted a meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Iqwinder Singh Gaheer, in Slough, UK. Discussions covered various aspects of international politics, global Sikh concerns, and opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties. Both MPs emphasized the importance of cross-border dialogue, committing to ongoing constructive engagements for the betterment of their communities and fostering stronger ties between Canada and the UK.
03-Jan-2024
According to sources, Neil O’Brien, a Senior Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) representing Harborough and a former minister, has written to the United Kingdom (UK) Home Secretary James Cleverly expressing concern over the death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda in Birmingham in 2023. O'Brien questions the lack of a thorough investigation by West Midlands police, despite initial claims of an inquiry.
20-Dec-2023
The family of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda urged the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office to appoint an independent police force to investigate his sudden death in June which coincided with Sikh separatist incidents in Canada and the United States (US), as revealed by Khanda’s family lawyer, Michael Polak. According to Polak, questions about the West Midlands police's handling of the case have arisen, leading the family to request the involvement of another police force.
15-Dec-2023
According to a report published on December 15 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the 2021 census for England and Wales in the United Kingdom (UK), nearly 1 lakh respondents identified as Sikh in the "ethnicity" category instead of choosing "British Indian." Of the total, 18.6% identified as Sikh through both the ethnic and religion questions, 0.3% through only the ethnic question, and 81.1% through the voluntary religion question. The total number of Sikhs in England and Wales increased by 22% from the 2011 census, reaching 5.25 lakh, with concerns raised about the accuracy of the count by the Sikh Federation UK.
08-Dec-2023
On December 8, a 34-year-old man of Punjab origin, Joshpal Singh Kothiria, who was part of a four-member drug smuggling gang, was sentenced to three years in prison in the United Kingdom (UK). The Wolverhampton Crown Court in Wolverhampton, UK, convicted him of conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis from the Netherlands to the UK and Ireland. The gang, busted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), included Anthony Terry, who organized the drug importation, leading to the seizure of GBP 1.6 million worth of cocaine in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in February 2021.
04-Dec-2023
A 58-year-old Sikh man, Inderjit Singh, was assaulted on December 4 in a hate crime by a group of teenage boys in Slough, United Kingdom (UK). The incident occurred in Langley Memorial Park, where Singh was kicked, pulled to the ground, and his beard was attempted to be grabbed by offenders aged 13-16. Singh sustained three broken ribs and injuries to his hand. The Thames Valley Police are treating the case as a hate crime and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
04-Dec-2023
According to a report by the United Kingdom (UK) daily The Guardian released on December 4, Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, who was based in the UK, claimed harassment by Indian police and threats to his family in Punjab before his sudden death in June. The report indicates that Khanda's associates suspected foul play in his death, suggesting poisoning. The Guardian's investigation questions the West Midlands police's initial statement, highlighting alleged lapses in the probe.
26-Nov-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak on November 26 extended Guru Nanak Jayanti wishes, acknowledging his personal connection to the occasion as someone with Punjabi roots. Sunak praised the significant contributions of the Sikh community to the UK, expressing pride and inspiration. Born to a Hindu Punjabi family with ties to Ludhiana and pre-Partition Gujranwala, Sunak emphasized the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 554th birth anniversary.
19-Nov-2023
Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi recently received death threats after abstaining from voting on a resolution regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict in the United Kingdom (UK). One person has been arrested in connection with the death threats.
17-Nov-2023
The Metropolitan Police on November 17 arrested four British Sikh men, identified as Amandeep Singh, Manjit Singh, Ajmeer Singh, and Poran Singh in connection with the murder of British Sikh teenager Simarjeet Singh Nangpal in London, United Kingdom (UK). They are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on November 18.
16-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on November 16 delivered a stern warning to the United Kingdom (UK) government at a press conference held at the High Commission of India in London, UK. He cautioned against the misuse of freedom of expression by Khalistani extremists to threaten diplomatic missions, specifically referencing incidents involving the Indian High Commission.
15-Nov-2023
A 17-year-old British Sikh teenager, identified as Simarjeet Singh Nangpal, was stabbed to death in a street fight near the Hounslow area of London in the United Kingdom (UK) on November 15. In connection with the murder, four individuals aged 21, 27, 31, and 71 have been arrested. To address community concerns, there is a heightened police presence in the area.
15-Nov-2023
During the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar to the United Kingdom (UK), which concluded on November 15, Jaishankar raised India's concerns about the misuse of freedom of expression by those propagating Khalistan in meetings with UK officials. The visit emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns while strengthening bilateral ties and touched upon various global and regional issues, including ongoing free trade agreement negotiations and cricket diplomacy.
15-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on November 15 stated that India is open to an investigation but urged Canada to provide evidence supporting its allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, during a conversation with veteran journalist Lionel Barber titled 'How a Billion People See the World' in London, United Kingdom (UK). Jaishankar emphasized that Canada has not shared any evidence to date.
11-Nov-2023
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on November 11 embarked on a five-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to review bilateral ties, including preparations for a potential visit to India by British Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak. The countries share a growing partnership, highlighted by the 2021 launch of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership and the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
07-Nov-2023
Top lawyers in the United Kingdom (UK) have urged Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad to retract his statement that British Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal, detained in India since 2017 on terror charges, would receive 'due process' in the Indian legal system. They express concerns over the lack of due process, citing allegations of torture and politically motivated charges. Johal faces a potential death penalty and has been held without credible evidence, prompting calls for his immediate release by more than 70 MPs, while the UK government continues to provide consular assistance and raise his case with the Indian government.