Lahore, 27 April,2024 (GNP): Pakistani pilgrims attending the annual Urs of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) in New Delhi have reported situation of misbehave by Indian authorities. provoking concerns about their well-being and freedom of movement.
For the past two days, Pakistani pilgrims reported that they have been enclosed within a hotel in New Delhi, under the vigilant eyes of Indian police and agency officials, on the pretense of “security reasons”.
Two days ago 70 pilgrims, arrived at India via the Wagah border, with accommodations arranged at Hotel Today in New Delhi.
However, upon arrival, they were met with strict limitations, with visitors obstructed from leaving the hotel building or meeting anyone outside their group.
Reports reveals that ambassador from the Pakistani High Commission arrived at the hotel, engaged 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.
Earlier, speaking to The Express Tribune, Pakistani visitors expressed their irritation complaining about the constant surveillance by Delhi police and Indian agencies both outside and inside the hotel.
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They regretted being denied access to the shrine of Hazrat Amir Khusro for two continuous days.
Reports had surfaced revealing that some pilgrims have reached their critical point and are considering returning to Pakistan due to the alleged misbehave by Delhi Police and other agencies.
The challenges faced by Pakistani pilgrims was integrated by the delays and limitations imposed by the Indian High Commission.
In spite of visa applications submitted by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, a substantial 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 opposed the treatment received by Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims, who are provided with all necessary facilities, with their own experiences of limitations movement and surveillance.
Requesting action, the Pakistani pilgrims had called upon the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs to mediate and address the misbehave with Indian authorities.