India and Pakistan Extend Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced the extension of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement between India and Pakistan for another five years. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and respect for the Sikh community’s religious sentiments.
Puri, who attended the corridor’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 and was part of the first group to visit the Gurdwara in 2019, shared the news on social media. He highlighted PM Modi’s efforts in organizing significant Sikh celebrations and removing GST from Langar Seva.
The agreement, initially signed in 2019, allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the extension and urged Pakistan to remove the USD 20 service charge per pilgrim.
Earlier, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s death anniversary, honoring the first king of the Sikh empire.
Doubts Revealed
Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor -: The Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a special pathway that allows people from India to visit a holy place called Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without needing a visa. It is important for Sikhs because it is the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -: Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is a sacred place for Sikhs located in Pakistan. It is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism because it is where Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, lived and passed away.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri -: Hardeep Singh Puri is a politician in India who is part of the government. He is responsible for making important decisions and announcements related to certain areas, like housing and urban affairs.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. His full name is Narendra Modi, and he is responsible for making important decisions for the country.
USD 20 service charge -: The USD 20 service charge is a fee that pilgrims from India have to pay to Pakistan when they visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the corridor. India has asked Pakistan to remove this fee to make it easier for pilgrims to visit.