Pakistani pilgrims who are in India’s New Delhi to attend the annual Urs of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) have reported to be facing restrictions, The Express Tribune reported.

Approximately 70 Pakistani pilgrims have been confined to a hotel in New Delhi over the past two days, closely monitored by Indian police and agency officials citing “security reasons.”

Upon their arrival at Hotel Today in New Delhi, the pilgrims were faced with stringent restrictions, prohibiting them from leaving the hotel premises or meeting individuals outside their group.

However, reports indicate that representatives from the Pakistani High Commission engaged in discussions with Indian security officials to address the treatment of Pakistani visitors.

As a result of the intervention by the Pakistan High Commission, sources told the news outlet the pilgrims have now been granted permission to visit the shrine.

While expressing their frustration in an interview with The Express Tribune, Pakistani visitors voiced their discontent with continuous surveillance from Delhi police and Indian agencies both within and outside the hotel.

Their grievances included being denied access to the shrine of Hazrat Amir Khusro for two consecutive days.

There have been reports suggesting that some pilgrims have contemplated returning to Pakistan due to alleged mistreatment by Delhi Police and other agencies.

The challenges faced by Pakistani pilgrims were compounded by 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.

Combined with delays in the visa issuance process, only 70 pilgrims were able to undertake the journey to India.

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Pilgrims have highlighted the contrasting treatment received by Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims, who are provided with comprehensive facilities, in comparison to their own experiences of restricted movement and surveillance.

In response to the situation, the Pakistani pilgrims have 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.