Pakistan, India sign deal on visa-free corridor for Sikh pilgrims – Report

By Asia Samachar Team | PAKISTAN |

The Kartarpur Corridor deal was sealed today (Oct 24) when India and Pakistan came to an agreement for the visa-free corridor between the two countries.

Islamabad and New Delhi signed an agreement on a visa-free corridor between the two countries that will allow Sikh pilgrims in India to visit Kartarpur, now located in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak spent the last part of his life.

The Kartarpur Corridor deal — a rare example of cooperation between the nuclear-armed arch-rivals — follows months of heightened tensions, mainly over the disputed region of Kashmir, reports AFP.

“Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin… can use the corridor. The travel will be visa-free,” the report quoted S.C.L. Das, a joint secretary in the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, told a press conference after the agreement was signed.

“Pilgrims from around the world are also welcome,” said Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal.

The deal allows for a secure corridor and bridge between the two countries, leading directly to the Kartarpur gurdwara, just four kilometres (two miles) from the Indian border.

The corridor is expected to be inaugurated in early November, ahead of Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday on November 12, which is marked with celebrations by millions of Sikhs around the world.

The report noted that Delhi was still contesting Pakistan’s bid to charge each pilgrim $20 per visit.