India-Pakistan Extend Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for Five Years

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Pakistan have agreed to renew their pact on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for an additional five years, just days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad, where he met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Renewal Agreement

• India and Pakistan have renewed their pact on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years, ensuring the continued facilitation of pilgrimages.

Context

• The renewal comes shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad, where he engaged with Pakistan’s leadership.

Pact Expiration

• The original agreement, which facilitates the visit of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, was set to expire on October 24.

Ministry Statement

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the extension, stating it will ensure uninterrupted operation of the corridor for pilgrims.

Purpose

• The 4 km-long Kartarpur Corridor provides visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the final resting place of Sikhism’s founder, Guru Nanak Dev.

Service Charge 

• India has urged Pakistan to waive the US$ 20 service charge imposed on each pilgrim, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding pilgrimage costs.

Diplomatic Engagements

Jaishankar’s Visit 

• The agreement follows Jaishankar’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Pakistan, marking the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister since 2015.
• Ministerial Conversations: Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, engaged in discussions, including topics around potential cricketing ties between the two nations.

Statements from Leaders

• Nawaz Sharif’s Remarks: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emphasized the need for both countries to “bury the past” and focus on future cooperation, calling Jaishankar’s visit a “good beginning.”

About Kartarpur Corridor

• Location : Connects Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Narowal district, Pakistan, with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India.
• Visa-Free Access : The corridor allows Indian pilgrims to travel without a visa, requiring only a permit to enter Pakistan.
• Inauguration : Built to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, it was officially opened on November 12, 2019.

Significance of Guru Nanak

• Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti : Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Katak, honoring the birth of Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539).

Philosophy

He promoted the Nirguna form of bhakti, rejecting:

• Sacrifices
• Ritual baths
• Image worship
• Austerities
• The scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims

Adi Granth Sahib 

• The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, compiled hymns of Guru Nanak and his four successors, along with verses from other saints like Baba Farid, Ravidas, and Kabir. These hymns, known as Gurbani, are composed in multiple languages.

Final Years 

• The Kartarpur Gurdwara is significant as it is the shrine where Guru Nanak Dev spent the last 18 years of his life, making it a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs.