Pakistan Officially Asks India to Finalize Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—The Federal Government of Pakistan today asked the Indian government to finalize the agreement on Kartarpur corridor while sharing a draft of the agreement with India through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. It is learnt that the proposals for facilitating access of Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib to the Sikhs residing in India has been scripted in this draft.

A press release by the Pakistan government says that the Indian government has been asked to send a delegation to Islamabad for finalizing the agreement on Kartarpur corridor.

It is learnt that the Pakistan government has nominated its Director-General (South Asia & SAARC) Mr. Mohammad Faisal as the focal person to talk about Kartarpur corridor issue and has requested the Indian government to appoint its person.

“Kartarpur corridor is in line with Islamic principles that advocate respect for all religions and Pakistan’s policy of promoting interfaith harmony and religious tolerance and also in line with Quaid’s vision of a peaceful neighborhood. Pakistan would continue with its efforts to bring peace and stability in the region,” reads the press release by Pakistan government.

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that India will soon be proposing a formal date to Pakistan for both sides to meet and discuss all issues.

Draft Details

According to the proposed agreement, which is widely circulated in the Pakistani media, Islamabad will reserve the rights to refuse entry into its territory, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay of any pilgrim despite the grant of permission if it considers him/her a threat to the country or finds undesirable for security or other purposes.

The agreement further clarifies that not more than 500 Sikh pilgrims will be allowed per day through the Kartarpur Corridor and a database of the pilgrims with their travel history will be maintained.

“Three-day prior information of the visiting pilgrims and security clearance from the Indian side will be needed before the entry of Sikh pilgrims through the planned Kartarpur Corridor” reads the draft.

The draft also underlines that entry in Pakistan territory will be permitted with the passport and the pilgrims will not be exempted from the obligation to respect the laws and regulations of Pakistan after entering into its territory.

“All laws must be respected not just concerning entry and exit,” states the proposed draft agreement.

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