Ottawa: In August 2021, during the Kabul evacuation crisis, then-Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan relayed information from a Sikh NGO to aid in the evacuation of Afghan Sikhs eligible under Canadian policy. Reports suggested Sajjan instructed special forces to prioritize rescuing Sikhs, sparking debate over operational priorities. Sajjan denied giving direct orders but acknowledged facilitating information. Critics questioned his actions, citing operational complexities. The World Sikh Organization defended Sajjan, calling allegations biased. The Department of National Defence affirmed operations were guided by government directives, focusing on vulnerable individuals amid challenges evacuating Afghan Sikhs due to safety concerns.