Pakistan marks Ranjit Singh anniversary amid absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims

Pakistan marks Ranjit Singh anniversary amid absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims

Pakistan marked on Saturday the 186th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with solemn ceremonies at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, but the absence of Indian Sikh pilgrims cast a shadow over the commemorations. Indian authorities denied permission for a delegation of Sikh devotees to travel to Pakistan despite Islamabad's official invitation, according to Pakistani officials. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh leaders and rights …