India, Pakistan Extend Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement

Why in the news?

India and Pakistan have extended the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement by five years, ensuring uninterrupted pilgrim travel, while India continues to request a waiver of the $20 service charge.

Highlights of the Agreement Extended by Five Years:

  • India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement by five years, ensuring uninterrupted travel for Indian pilgrims to the Kartarpur Gurdwara in Pakistan.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this extension on Tuesday, which will allow Indian devotees continued access to the holy site, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
  • The Kartarpur Corridor was initially opened in November 2019 during celebrations for Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary.

India, Pakistan Extend Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement

About Kartarpur Corridor Agreement:

  • India and Pakistan signed the agreement to operationalize the Kartarpur Corridor, initially valid for five years.
  • Either party can terminate the agreement with a one-month notice or suspend it for exigencies or violations.
  • Pakistan agreed to provide facilities for langar and prasad distribution at the Gurdwara premises.
  • Indian infrastructure, including the highway and passenger terminal, was completed for the inauguration on 9th November 2019.
  • The corridor connects Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab, allowing visa-free pilgrim movement with a permit.
  • Built to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times