In harmony with Indian pilgrims

Back in 1974, the governments of Pakistan and India demonstrated tolerance towards their respective neighbours’ spiritual sentiments with the signing of the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines-1974. Four-and-a-half decades later, an examination of the situation reveals hostility.

At least, this was the case earlier this year when India rejected Pakistani pilgrims’ visas to visit the resting place of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Sharif on the occasion of his death anniversary and likewise on the urs of Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia in New Delhi.

In a more positive development, 1,700 Indian Sikh pilgrims were granted permission to partake in the historic Baisakhi Festival in Hassan Abdal on April 14^th. They were able to pay homage to the transformation of their caste as well as celebrate the spring harvest as per their historical beliefs. Embroiled in ego battles for months now, this was recognisably an honourable move by the government of Pakistan.

The step to allow Indian pilgrims after the rejection of Pakistani visas is slightly suspicious, however. Furthermore, this was preceded by New Delhi’s wavering from the Bilateral Protocol hardly being questioned by Islamabad, even though a case existed for violation of agreement. Perhaps higher priorities existed.

Looking ahead, India needs to show reciprocity. From two different vantage points, in the context of moral grounds, Pakistan has acted courageously.

First is the argument that religious pilgrimage is a rite and should not be subjected to or inhibited by government rule. Secondly, Pakistan was compliant with the agreement on visits to religious shrines.

Putting religious beliefs aside, the vast spiritual, cultural and historical heritage sites found within the two countries are what bind the people together.

The rich ties shared between Pakistanis and Indians, be it via shrines of figures revered by people on both sides of the border or the customs and traditions, need to be fostered by both governments. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2018.

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