Pakistan on Tuesday announced it has renewed an agreement with India for the facilitation of pilgrims wishing to travel to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal for five more years.
In a statement, the Foreign Office recalled the deal was initially inked on Oct. 24, 2019 for a period of five years. “Its renewal underscores Pakistan’s enduring commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence,” it said, adding Pakistan would now continue to offer visa-free access to pilgrims from India, enabling them to visit Kartarpur, where Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak spent his final days.
“Since its inception, the [Kartarpur] Corridor has facilitated the pilgrimage of thousands of worshippers to this holy site,” read the statement, adding it had fulfilled “long-cherished” aspirations of the Sikh community for ease of access to one of their most revered religious landmarks.
“It [Kartarpur Corridor] 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’,” it added.
Under the agreement inked between Pakistan and India, Indian Sikhs are granted visa-free access to visit the Gurudwara where Guru Nanak died in 1539. The temple is located just 4km inside Pakistan.