BRAMPTON (The Thursday Times) — In a striking new message addressed directly to Sikh soldiers, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel of Sikhs for Justice and a leading figure in the global Khalistan movement, called on the Sikh community to refuse to serve in what he termed Narendra Modi’s “jingoistic war” against Pakistan — instead hailing Pakistan as a future “friendly neighbour” to a liberated Khalistan.
“Pakistan is not your enemy,” Pannun declared in the video circulated widely this week. “Pakistan supports the Sikh community and supports the Khalistan movement. Once we liberate Punjab, Pakistan will be our neighbour.”
سکھ رہنما گُرپتونت سنگھ پنوں نے بھارتی فوج میں شامل سکھ اہلکاروں کو پاکستان کے خلاف کسی جنگ یا جارحیت کا حصہ نہ بننے کا مشورہ دے دیا۔ سکھوں کا اصل دشمن نریندر مودی اور بھارتی فوج ہے، جبکہ پاکستان ہمارا ہمسایہ اور دوست ہے، اور خالصتان کی آزادی کے بعد ہمارا فطری اتحادی ہوگا۔ pic.twitter.com/Lv29cUzkVO
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) April 25, 2025
Pannun’s words come at a time of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with communal and political unrest spreading across the region. But for Khalistani supporters, the moment is also an opportunity to draw new geopolitical lines — ones that position Pakistan as an open supporter of Sikh identity and sovereignty, in stark contrast to what Pannun described as India’s oppressive treatment of Sikhs under the current regime.
In his address, Pannun painted a stark picture of betrayal by the Indian state. “Your enemy is not Pakistan. Your enemy is the Indian Army, and the Indian government led by Narendra Modi,” he said. “Sikh soldiers are being used as weapons.”
He referenced the recent Pahalgam Hindu massacre, arguing that the Indian state orchestrated the attack for political mileage. “Look at the facts,” he said. “Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit — but did he visit Pahalgam? Did he attend the funerals? No. He returned only to scream for votes in Bihar, using the massacre as a tool.”
Pannun claimed the original target of violence was the Sikh community, not the Hindu pilgrims, and that the attack was meant to take place on April 13 during Khalsa Sajna Diwas in Channapora, Srinagar — a sacred occasion for Sikhs. “This massacre was planned for Khalsa Sajna Diwas. Amit Shah wanted this. Modi wanted this. The only reason it was postponed is because Indian agencies advised that JD Vance might cancel his visit if Sikhs are massacred in Channapora.”
He linked this strategy to the global Khalistan referendum campaign, which has been gaining traction internationally. “If Sikhs were massacred during Khalsa Sajna Diwas, we would have boosted the Khalistan campaign,” Pannun said.
The referendum campaign, launched by Sikhs for Justice, is aimed at gauging Sikh support for an independent homeland in Punjab. Symbolic votes have already been held in major cities across the diaspora, including in the UK, Canada, and the United States.
Pannun’s speech signals a shift in the movement’s rhetoric — drawing a clear distinction between a hostile India and a sympathetic Pakistan. His message positions Pakistan not only as an ally but as a potential long-term partner for Khalistan, should secession become a reality.
“This is not your war. This is not our war. Do not fight against a country that has extended support and solidarity to Sikhs,” he said. “Pakistan has always supported our community. Do not be pawns in Modi’s army.”
With election season underway in India and communal tensions high, Pannun’s message has quickly gained traction online, particularly among younger Sikhs disillusioned with Indian nationalism.
As India pursues a more militarised posture along its borders, and the Khalistan referendum gathers global momentum, Pannun’s call echoes a broader sentiment among Sikhs worldwide: that alignment with Pakistan may no longer be taboo — but a strategic, ideological, and even moral necessity.