The Kartarpur Corridor Agreement is a landmark initiative between India and Pakistan, signed on October 24, 2019, to facilitate the movement of Indian pilgrims to the holy Sikh shrine of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life. This corridor allows Sikh pilgrims to visit the site without a visa, which had long been a significant demand among the Sikh community.
Key Points of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement:
- Visa-Free Access:
- The corridor provides visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to travel to Kartarpur. Pilgrims are only required to carry a valid passport, but no visa is needed.
- Pilgrims enter through a dedicated corridor at the Dera Baba Nanak checkpoint in Punjab, India, which leads directly to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, located about 4.5 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border.
- Pilgrimage Conditions:
- Initially, up to 5,000 pilgrims were allowed to visit Kartarpur daily, with a provision for more based on mutual agreement.
- Pilgrims can travel individually or in groups and are free to choose a day for their visit, provided they register in advance through the official portal.
- Registration and Fees:
- Pilgrims register online before visiting, and while the corridor itself is visa-free, Pakistan charges a service fee of USD $20 per pilgrim, which India requested to waive on special occasions but was not initially accepted.
- Infrastructure and Facilities:
- India and Pakistan each developed their own infrastructure for the corridor. On the Indian side, a passenger terminal was constructed at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, equipped with customs and immigration facilities.
- The corridor includes a bridge over the Ravi River, which helps pilgrims cross into Pakistan directly, without needing a visa or additional formalities.
- Religious Significance:
- Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, as it marks the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. This site is especially revered and attracts pilgrims from around the world.
- Security Arrangements:
- Both India and Pakistan maintain strict security protocols to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the smooth functioning of the corridor.
Significance of the Kartarpur Corridor:
The Kartarpur Corridor is a significant example of religious diplomacy, as it allows Indian pilgrims to visit a sacred site in Pakistan, fostering goodwill and cultural ties between the two countries. Despite political tensions, the corridor is seen as a successful model of cooperation, bringing hope for further peaceful engagements between India and Pakistan.
Operational Challenges and COVID-19 Impact:
- The corridor faced a temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but has since reopened with appropriate health and safety protocols.
- The agreement remains an ongoing effort that requires regular maintenance, cooperation, and logistical management to handle the influx of pilgrims.
The Kartarpur Corridor stands as a symbol of cross-border cooperation, underscoring the shared cultural heritage between India and Pakistan and serving as a beacon of hope for peace and understanding.
