Bhagwant Mann confirms Lahore conference invitation, awaits permission for Pakistan visit

Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has confirmed receiving an invitation to attend the World Punjabi Conference in Lahore on November 27, 2026 raising the possibility of a cultural exchange between the two sides of Punjab.

Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has confirmed receiving an invitation to attend the World Punjabi Conference in Lahore on November 27, 2026 raising the possibility of a cultural exchange between the two sides of Punjab.

According to the report Mann disclosed the invitation during a session of the Punjab Assembly on Friday. He expressed interest in visiting Lahore describing the city as an important centre of Punjabi culture but questioned whether the Indian government would permit him to travel to Pakistan.

His proposed visit would require the relevant approvals from Indian authorities. Given the strained relations between India and Pakistan permission for a visit by a serving chief minister would be a significant factor in determining whether he can attend the event.

Conference to celebrate Punjabi heritage

The World Punjabi Conference is scheduled to take place in Lahore on November 27. Organisers are expected to bring together writers, poets, artists, academics and other personalities interested in Punjabi language literature and shared cultural traditions.

The event aims to strengthen connections between people from Indian and Pakistani Punjab as well as Punjabi communities living abroad including in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Sources cited in the report said invitations had also been extended to poets and academics from Indian Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. The final list of international participants is expected to be announced by the organisers.

Why Mann’s potential visit matters

Mann’s possible participation has attracted attention because a visit by a sitting chief minister from Indian Punjab to Lahore would carry cultural and political significance. As a Punjabi-speaking public figure with a background in comedy and satire, his attendance could provide an opportunity to highlight the linguistic and cultural connections shared by the two regions.

However, the proposed trip also presents an administrative challenge. According to the report, the invitation would need to go through the appropriate approval process in New Delhi. Relations between India and Pakistan have remained tense limiting opportunities for high-level exchanges in recent years.

A journalist quoted in the report suggested that the decision would depend on how the Indian authorities assess the proposed visit and its cultural purpose.

Organisers welcome the invitation

Conference organisers in Lahore have reportedly welcomed Mann’s interest in attending. A senior organiser told Minute Mirror that the invitation had been formally extended and that arrangements for hospitality had been offered.

The organiser also expressed hope that both countries would facilitate the cultural exchange emphasising Punjabi as a shared language across the border.

Social media users in both regions have also reportedly responded positively with some expressing hope that Mann would be able to visit Lahore.

Decision expected before the conference

According to the report, Mann’s office is expected to forward the invitation through the relevant channels while a final decision on travel permission is anticipated by mid-November.

For now his attendance remains unconfirmed. Whether the visit proceeds will depend on the necessary approvals from Indian authorities.

The invitation has nevertheless renewed discussion about cultural connections between Indian and Pakistani Punjab. If Mann receives permission to attend, the November 27 conference could provide a prominent platform for cross-border engagement through Punjabi language and heritage.