In a significant development for religious tourism and bilateral relations, India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years. The agreement, initially signed on October 24, 2019, facilitated the pilgrimage of Indian devotees to the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal, Pakistan, via the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India stated that the extension will ensure the uninterrupted operation of the corridor for Indian pilgrims to visit the sacred Gurdwara in Pakistan. This move signifies a commitment to maintaining access to the holy site for devotees and fostering religious harmony between the two nations.
India has also reiterated its request to Pakistan to remove the USD 20 service charge levied on each pilgrim visiting the Gurdwara. This charge has been a point of contention, as India has consistently advocated for the removal of any financial barriers to pilgrimage. The MEA’s statement emphasizes the continued importance of the corridor for religious tourism and highlights the need for a seamless and affordable experience for pilgrims.
The Kartarpur Corridor has proven to be a landmark initiative, allowing for visa-free travel for Indian Sikh pilgrims to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, which holds immense religious significance. The extension of the agreement is expected to further strengthen the people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan and promote cross-border cooperation in the realm of religious tourism. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will heed India’s request regarding the service charge, but the extension of the agreement underscores the importance of maintaining this vital religious corridor for the benefit of pilgrims from both sides of the border.