Relations between India and Pakistan appear to be back on track in recent days. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in neighboring countries to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Now the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement saying that India and Pakistan have extended the validity of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for five years. This is good news for Sikh pilgrims. The diplomatic decision paves the way for continued operations of the corridor and Indian pilgrims will be able to visit the iconic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.
The original agreement, signed on October 24, 2019, provided Indian pilgrims with visa-free access to the historic Gurudwara in Narowal, Pakistan. The corridor, which was initially valid for five years, has become a vital link for thousands of devotees who wish to pay their respects at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines.
The agreement, reached through diplomatic channels, will ensure that the corridor remains open and functional, allowing uninterrupted pilgrimages. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a symbol of religious harmony, and Sikhs in India can visit the monastery where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent his last days.
India asks for service fee exemption
In addition to moving forward with the corridor agreement, India has once again asked Pakistan to waive the $20 service fee levied on pilgrims. Pilgrims and Sikh organizations have been demanding the fee be scrapped for years. People insist that a spiritual journey should not come with a financial burden.
Despite repeated appeals from the Indian government, Pakistan continues to levy fees from pilgrims. In its latest diplomatic engagement, India has once again asked Pakistan to consider the feelings of pilgrims and waive fees to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for all devotees.
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The extension of the agreement adds a new chapter to the ongoing success of the Kartarpur Corridor and it is hoped that further reforms such as the removal of service charges will enhance the pilgrimage experience in the future. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor continues to be a symbol of cross-border religious relations, promoting peace and friendship between the two countries.
