Pakistan extends Kartarpur corridor agreement with India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday extended Kartarpur corridor agreement with India for five years to facilitate pilgrims to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib.

“The government of Pakistan has announced the renewal of the agreement between the Republic of India and the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the facilitation of pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, Pakistan” for an additional period of five years,” said a press release issued by the Foreign Office

Originally signed on 24 October 2019 for a five-year term, the agreement is set to complete its initial duration on October 24, 2024. “Its renewal underscores Pakistan’s enduring commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence,” it said.

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“The agreement continues to offer visa-free access to pilgrims from India enabling them to visit the sacred site of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, where Baba Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism, spent his final days. Since its inception, the corridor has facilitated the pilgrimage of thousands of worshippers to this holy site.”

“The Kartarpur corridor fulfills the long-cherished aspirations of the Sikh community for an access to one of their most revered religious landmarks. It reflects Pakistan’s recognition of the importance of safeguarding the rights of religious minorities. The initiative has earned widespread appreciation from the international community, including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, who described it as a “Corridor of Hope.”