India and Pakistan Extend Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement
India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years. This agreement, originally signed on October 24, 2019, allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Narowal district through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Agreement Extension
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the extension was agreed upon through diplomatic channels, ensuring uninterrupted access for Indian pilgrims to the Gurdwara in Pakistan.
Service Charge Concerns
India has requested Pakistan to remove the USD 20 service charge per pilgrim per visit, a concern raised by many pilgrims.
Visa Issuance for Sikh Pilgrims
In June, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s death anniversary. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi facilitated these visas under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974.
Commitment to Pilgrims
Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, expressed commitment to facilitating pilgrims, highlighting the importance of religious visits between the two countries.
Doubts Revealed
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor -: The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a special pathway that allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, without a visa. It is an important religious site for Sikhs.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -: Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is a sacred place for Sikhs located in Kartarpur, Pakistan. It is believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Ministry of External Affairs -: The Ministry of External Affairs is a part of the Indian government responsible for managing India’s foreign relations and international affairs.
USD 20 service charge -: The USD 20 service charge is a fee that Pakistan charges each Indian pilgrim who visits the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor. India is asking Pakistan to remove this fee.
Maharaja Ranjeet Singh -: Maharaja Ranjeet Singh was a famous Sikh ruler who established the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. His anniversary is celebrated by Sikhs, and many visit religious sites during this time.
1974 protocol -: The 1974 protocol is an agreement between India and Pakistan that allows people from both countries to visit religious shrines across the border. It helps promote religious and cultural exchanges.
