LAHORE: Pakistan and India have signed the agreement to open the Kartarpur Corridor today at zero line Indo-Pak border in Narowal.
The accord was inked by Dr Mohammad Faisal, DG (South Asia & Saarc) at the Foreign Office, and Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary S. C. L. Das.
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It is pertinent to mention here that Indian government conveyed its willingness to sign the Kartarpur Corridor agreement, three weeks ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib, founder of Sikhism. With the inking of the document the way has been paved for Kartarpur Corridor ‘s formal inauguration on 9th day of November, 2019 by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The first batch of intended-pilgrims will also arrive on the very day.
Terming the several rounds of Indo-Pak negotiations as very very difficult and tough, Dr. Mohammad Faisal informed: “Under the agreement, the corridor will remain open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.”
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They would arrive by means of the corridor in the day and leave by evening: “It is the biggest gurdwara in the world. This is how we treat minorities in the country; this is our approach towards minorities. It is in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH),” Dr. Faisal added.
Foreign Office Spokesman further informed that five thousand pilgrims could be handled at the project per day. According to details the pilgrims who come through the corridor will not require a visa. They will just have to carry their passports which will be scanned but not stamped. Indian authorities, as per the agreement would provide list of intended-pilgrims ten days ahead of visit.
Pakistan will charge a fee of $20 from the intended-pilgrims for which the mechanism is being worked out. As for the intended-pilgrims from Pakistan, they will be issued a pass for the purpose.
Director General South Asia and SAARC Dr. Mohammad Faisal stated on the occasion that Sikh pilgrims from other countries including Canada and European will also be facilitated to visit their sacred places in Pakistan.
News Pakistan
