Pakistan's Complex Relationship with Sikhs: From Pilgrimages to Disappointments

Pakistan's relationship with its Sikh community and religious sites has been complex, influenced by the Khalistan movement and the economic potential of Sikh tourism. The movement, which demanded a separate Sikh homeland, transformed gurdwaras into political spaces and led to the abandonment of many Sikh religious sites. However, it also sparked a renewed interest in preserving and renovating these gurdwaras, with the Pakistani state facilitating funding and encouraging Sikh pilgrimages. The opening of the Kartarpur corridor in 2019 further highlighted the economic potential of Sikh tourism, with Pakistan estimating it generates $36.5 million per year. Despite the decline of the Khalistan movement, Pakistan continues to focus on expanding Sikh tourism to boost its struggling economy.