India blocks Punjab CM's Pakistan conference trip

Mann invited to Lahore conference

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was invited to serve as chief guest at the opening ceremony of the fourth International Punjabi Conference in Lahore on November 27.

Invitation details and organisers

The invitation, dated October 25, was extended by Punjabi Parchar, a cultural and advocacy organisation, with Pakistani Punjabi poet Baba Najmi among its signatories.

MEA invokes national policy

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Delhi has a national policy on Pakistan and expects everyone to abide by it.

“When it comes to relations with foreign countries, we have a national policy and expect everyone to abide by it.”

Policy stance after terror attack

Jaiswal underlined India's national policy after Operation Sindoor and said the position on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack should make clear where India stands.

“As far as our position on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack is concerned, it should be amply clear to all as to where we stand.”

Punjab government awaits formal invitation

Since the Centre has previously denied Mann clearance for several overseas visits, the Punjab government is treading cautiously and awaiting a formal invitation from Pakistan before making travel arrangements.

Mann's earlier assembly statement

Mann raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly on October 23, saying he wanted to attend the conference and visit historical gurdwaras including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib.

Mann cites past travel rejections

Mann said the Centre does not let him travel to France or Japan, questioning how it would allow Pakistan.

“They do not even let me go to France or Japan. How will they let me go to Pakistan?”