Islamabad proposes 500 permits for Kartarpur pilgrims

Delhi stipulates police verification for devotees taking Kartarpur route


Our Correspondent December 29, 2018
Sikh pilgrims look from Kartarpur Gurdwara Sahib after a groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor in Kartarpur on November 28, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India have developed separate proposals to establish a mechanism for visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal district through Kartarpur border corridor.

According to sources in the Foreign Ministry, Pakistan has given proposals about the number and entry procedure of the Sikh pilgrims. Pakistan will allow them to enter without visa. However, they should have a valid Indian passport and a clearance from the Indian Ministry of Interior.

They will be allowed to visit Pakistan in groups of at least 15 persons. Pakistan will give 500 permits daily. Indian government will provide list of the pilgrims to Pakistan at least three days in advance.

Pakistan to go ahead with construction in Kartarpur corridor

According to the proposal, both the countries will set up facilitation centres and check posts on their own sides. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib will remain open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Both the countries will also maintain record of the Sikh pilgrims which will include name, address and travelling record.

The pilgrims will be bound to follow the laws charted out in advance. The permit issued by Pakistan will be valid for Gurdwara Darbar Sahib only. Pakistan government has also clarified that Pakistan can reduce or suspend the number of permits to be issued.

It may be recalled that the Federal Investigation Agency had sent these proposals a few days back to the federal government which now have been sent to Indian government. If the two governments agree to these proposals, they will turn into a law.

According to Indian High Commission sources, the Indian government has also prepared a draft proposal according to which, police verification will be mandatory for the Sikh pilgrims. Those visiting Darbar Sahib will apply one month in advance and police verification may take from five to 25 days.

US welcomes opening of Kartarpur corridor

Indian Sikh pilgrims will not be able to stay for more than four hours at Darbar Sahib. They will not be allowed to purchase anything from there except Prasad. The Indian proposal says foreigner Indian citizens will not be allowed to come to Darbar Sahib. They will have to get visa.

The Indian government has also proposed that arrangement for the transport for the Sikh pilgrims be made by India. Diplomatic sources say the two sides are agreeable to 80% of each other’s proposals and will sign the joint draft after reaching consensus.

COMMENTS (1)

Rama rama | 5 years ago | Reply Indian government looks evil, why they are scared of sikh worshipper to stay only 4 hour, this is cunningness of Indian Government, here Pakistani Government have no conflict they are permitting longer stay.
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ