Govt of Pakistan announces renewal of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for an additional period of five years

ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (SABAH): The Government of Pakistan has announced the renewal of the “Agreement between the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the facilitation of pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, Pakistan” for an additional period of five years.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch issued on Tuesday, originally signed on 24 October 2019 for a five-year term, the Agreement is set to complete its initial duration on 24 October 2024. Its renewal underscores Pakistan’s enduring commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.

The Agreement continues to offer visa-free access to pilgrims from India  enabling them to visit the sacred site of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, where Baba Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism, spent his final days. Since its inception, the Corridor has facilitated the pilgrimage of thousands of worshippers to this holy site.

The Kartarpur Corridor fulfills the long-cherished aspirations of the Sikh community for an access to one of their most revered religious landmarks. It 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.”