Pakistani pilgrims face restrictions in New Delhi

Pakistani visitors granted permission to visit shrine of Hazrat Amir Khusro after Pakistan High Commission intervenes

LAHORE:

Pakistani pilgrims attending the annual Urs of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) in New Delhi have reported instances of mistreatment by Indian authorities, sparking concerns about their well-being and freedom of movement.

For the past two days, Pakistani pilgrims said they have been confined within a hotel in New Delhi, under the watchful eyes of Indian police and agency officials, on the pretext of "security reasons".

The pilgrims, numbering 70, arrived in India via the Wagah border two days ago, with accommodations arranged at Hotel Today in New Delhi. However, upon arrival, they were met with strict restrictions, with visitors barred from leaving the hotel premises or meeting anyone outside their group.

However, reports indicated that representatives from the Pakistani High Commission arrived at the hotel, engaging in discussions with Indian security officials regarding the treatment of Pakistani visitors.

Sources revealed that following intervention by the Pakistan High Commission, pilgrims have been granted permission to visit the shrine.

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Earlier, speaking to The Express Tribune, Pakistani visitors expressed their frustration, complaining about the constant surveillance by Delhi police and Indian agencies both inside and outside the hotel.

They lamented being denied access to the shrine of Hazrat Amir Khusro for two consecutive days.

Reports had surfaced indicating that some pilgrims have reached their breaking point and are considering returning to Pakistan due to the alleged mistreatment by Delhi Police and other agencies.

The ordeal faced by Pakistani pilgrims was compounded by the delays and restrictions imposed by the Indian High Commission. Despite visa applications submitted by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, a significant number were rejected, resulting in only 80 out of 199 applicants being granted visas.

This, coupled with delays in the visa issuance process, led to only 70 pilgrims making the journey to India.

Pilgrims have contrasted the treatment received by Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims, who are provided with all necessary facilities, with their own experiences of restricted movement and surveillance.

Demanding action, the Pakistani pilgrims had called upon the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs to intervene and address the mistreatment with Indian authorities.