Pakistan denied Indian claims of attack on Golden Temple

Pakistani officials cite visa-free Sikh pilgrimage as proof of longstanding interfaith respect

Pakistan has rejected as “baseless” claims by a senior Indian Army officer that Islamabad had attempted to target the Golden Temple, with drones and missiles in Amritsar city of India’s Punjab state, earlier this month.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, responding to remarks made by a senior Indian Army officer, said on Tuesday, “We categorically reject the allegations that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple, the most revered place in the Sikh faith.”

We hold all places of worship in the highest esteem and cannot think of targeting a holy site like the Golden Temple,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson further said India had attacked multiple religious sites in Pakistan on the night of May 6 and 7.

Pakistan also highlighted its role in facilitating Sikh religious pilgrimage, pointing to its visa-free access initiative for international pilgrims visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

“Pakistan is the proud custodian of many holy sites of the Sikh faith,” the statement read. “Every year, it welcomes thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world. Pakistan also provides visa-free access to the Gurdwara Sahib Kartarpur through the Kartarpur Corridor.”

In that backdrop, any claim concerning Pakistan’s attempt to target the Golden Temple is absolutely baseless and incorrect,” the spokesperson reiterated.