Why Punjabis Love Pakistan: A Deeper Look

Why Many Punjabis, Especially Sikhs, Feel Connected to Pakistan More Than Hateful

The prevailing religions of the British Indian Empire based on the Census of India, 1901

India and Pakistan became two separate countries in 1947, after the British left. But before that, for hundreds of years, people from all religions — Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs — lived together peacefully in a united Punjab. After the partition, the two countries fought wars, had border issues, and serious political differences. That caused a lot of anger and hate across the border.

But in Indian Punjab, many people — especially Sikhs — don’t hate Pakistan as strongly as people in other Indian states might. In fact, many feel emotional ties to the land and people across the border. Why? Let’s look at all the

reasons in more depth: 




1. United Punjab Before Partition (History of One People)

Before 1947, Punjab was a single state. Lahore, now in Pakistan, was the cultural, educational, and political capital of Punjab. People from Amritsar, Jalandhar, Gujranwala, and Multan were not from two countries. They were neighbors.

During British rule, people of all religions studied together, traded goods, and celebrated festivals like Baisakhi, Lohri, and Diwali together. The division was political — not social or emotional. When the country was divided, it wasn’t just land that got split — hearts and families were torn apart too.

2. The Tragedy of Partition in 1947

In August 1947, millions of Sikhs and Hindus had to leave West Punjab (Pakistan) and travel to India. At the same time, Muslims from East Punjab (India) had to move to Pakistan. The migration was violent and painful.

• Over 1 million people were killed in riots. 

• Women were raped and kidnapped.

• Children were separated from families.

• Trains full of dead bodies crossed the new border.

Yet, even in this horror, many stories of kindness across religions were also remembered. Some Muslims saved Sikh neighbors, and some Sikhs protected Muslim friends.

When borders were drawn, families were torn.

This is a powerful and emotional image from the time of Partition in 1947, showing two men carrying an elderly woman in a cloth sling supported by a bamboo stick, while others travel in the background on a cart. It reflects the pain, hardship, and human cost of one of the largest forced migrations in history.

Not a train to a new home—this was a train of broken dreams.

image is another heartbreaking and historic photograph from the overloaded with men, women, and children, clinging to the sides and roofs—fleeing from one side of the border to another.

This was the largest mass migration in human history, and this train is a symbol of that pain, fear, and desperation.

3. Family Roots and Lost Homes

Many Sikh and Hindu families living in Indian Punjab today have ancestral homes in Pakistan. Their grandparents or great-grandparents once lived in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, or Rawalpindi.

Some still remember street names, house details, and the trees outside their old homes. These memories are passed down from generation to generation, creating a feeling of lost homeland.

When someone says, “My grandfather was born in Lahore,” it’s hard to hate that place. It feels like a part of your own history.

4. Common Language, Food, and Music

Both Indian and Pakistani Punjabis speak Punjabi language. While Indians write it in Gurmukhi script, and Pakistanis in Shahmukhi script, the spoken language is mostly the same.

They eat the same food — makki di roti, sarson da saag, lassi, butter chicken. They love similar music, poetry, and Bhangra. Popular artists like:                     

Sidhu Moosewala                   

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Atif Aslam

Abrar-ul-Haq

…are loved on both sides of the border. Punjabi culture is a strong emotional bridge that connects hearts beyond politics.

SIDHU MOOSE WALA

5. Sikhism’s Deep Roots in Pakistan

Many key Sikh religious sites are located in Pakistan because Sikhism started in Punjab when it was united. These holy places include:

• Nankana Sahib – Birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
  

  
  
  
  

• Kartarpur Sahib – Where Guru Nanak spent his last years
  
  

• Panja Sahib – A place of spiritual importance
  
  
  

  
  
  

• Dera Sahib (Lahore) – Linked to Guru Arjan Dev Ji
  
  
  

  
  
  

Visiting these places is a lifelong dream for many Sikhs. Thanks to the Kartarpur Corridor, thousands of Indian Sikhs now visit Pakistan each year.

And what do they say when they return? Most say they are treated with respect, love, and brotherhood by ordinary Pakistani people. Many are even shocked to receive such warmth. This leaves a deep impression and softens feelings.

6. Meeting Lost Neighbors and New Friends in Pakistan

When Indian Sikhs go to Pakistan, many try to visit their grandfather's village or meet people from families who once lived across the border. Sometimes, old Muslims who stayed behind welcome them as if they’re family.

Stories have emerged of Muslim families preserving Sikh Gurdwaras, photos, or items from pre-Partition days, waiting to return them if ever the families came back. These emotional reunions make Sikhs see Pakistanis as people, not enemies.

7. Pain of 1984 Genocide Still Hurts

In 1984, after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and other cities in brutal, targeted violence. Eyewitnesses said political leaders organized the attacks, and police did not protect the Sikhs.

Many Sikh families say they still haven’t received justice. No proper punishment, no real apology, no closure.

Because of this, some Sikhs feel hurt by their own country, and some even say:

“We were safer in Pakistan than in Delhi in 1984.”

That’s not because they hate India, but because they felt abandoned and betrayed by those in power. When they go to Pakistan and receive love, it makes the contrast more painful and more memorable.

8. Punjabis Want Peace, Not Hate

Most Punjabis — Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh — want peace between the two countries. They want trade, travel, music, tourism, and freedom to visit religious sites.

They don’t forget the past, but they want a better future.

Many say:

• “We share the same blood, just divided by politics.”

• “War has given us nothing but loss.”

“Let the governments fight — we the people want peace.

Conclusion: When Borders Cut Through Hearts

While much of India may see Pakistan only as an enemy or a threat, many Punjabis see it as a part of their past, their culture, and their emotions. They don’t deny the conflicts or the danger, but they also don’t want to live with hate.

They believe that peace can come not just through politics, but through people-to-people friendship, cultural exchange, and shared pain and healing.