TBM Staff - Mumbai
India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement for an additional five years, ensuring continued access for Indian pilgrims to the sacred Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. This decision reinforces the corridor’s importance as a vital pilgrimage route for thousands of devotees who wish to pay their respects at this significant site, which is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
Initially signed on October 24, 2019, the agreement allows Indian pilgrims to visit the historic gurdwara without the need for a visa, fostering religious harmony and spiritual connection. The extension was confirmed through diplomatic channels, promising that the corridor will remain operational and facilitate uninterrupted pilgrimages for devotees.
In conjunction with this extension, India has reiterated its request for Pakistan to waive the USD 20 service charge imposed on pilgrims. Sikh organisations and pilgrims have long advocated for the removal of this fee, asserting that the spiritual journey should not be hindered by financial burdens. Despite ongoing appeals from the Indian government, Pakistan has upheld the service charge, which continues to be a point of contention.
In its recent diplomatic communication, India urged Pakistan to consider the sentiments of the pilgrims and eliminate this charge to provide a more seamless and accessible pilgrimage experience. This request highlights the desire to enhance the spiritual journey for devotees visiting one of Sikhism’s holiest sites.
The extension of the Kartarpur Corridor agreement signifies a positive development in fostering interfaith relations and facilitating pilgrimages. There are hopes that further improvements, including the potential removal of the service charge, will enrich the pilgrimage experience in the years ahead.
