Good news for Indian pilgrims; Indians having an Indian passport can now travel visa-free all seven days a week to Kartarpur. Both India and Pakistan have agreed to build a bridge on its side for the Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit Kartarpur. Those with an Indian passport and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards can take this opportunity to visit the Kartarpur gurudwara.
The two countries have agreed to allow 5000 Indian pilgrims, who can visit the gurudwara all seven days. Dr. Faisal, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s ministry said that both the countries have reached a consensus on 80% issues regarding the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor.
During the meet, the Khalistan issue was also raised by New Delhi, India.
In a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs India, it was mentioned that “Importance for ensuring a safe and secure environment for the pilgrims was underscored. In this context, concerns regarding individuals or organizations based in Pakistan who may try to disrupt the pilgrimage and misuse the opportunity to play with the sentiments of the pilgrims were shared.”
India has requested a consular presence in Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara to assist the pilgrims. Pakistan too assured that there won’t be any anti-India activity.
India has also made a proposal to Pakistan of allowing 10000 Indian pilgrims to visit Pakistan to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji under the 1974 Protocol. The anniversary will take place on November 2019.
Both India and Pakistan are working fast and hard to get over with the construction of the Karatrpur corridor. As of now, India is building a four-lane highway, along with a passenger bus terminal, to handle 15000 pilgrims every day. Both the works are expected to be completed in November this year.
Report courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/5000-indian-pilgrims-can-now-travel-visa-free-to-kartarpur-in-pakistan-every-day/as70226538.cms
