Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for renewing the agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years, describing it as a positive development for the Sikh community. He emphasized that this extension helps reduce the distance between India and Pakistan.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jakhar expressed gratitude for the Indian government’s decision to allow continued access to the holy shrine through the Kartarpur Corridor, stating, This is a relief for the Sikh community. I hope this initiative fosters closer ties between the two nations.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also welcomed the decision, highlighting Modi’s respect for the Sikh faith. He noted that previous governments had made promises but had not opened the corridor, marking this extension as a significant commitment to the Sikh community and Punjab.
Originally signed on October 24, 2019, the agreement facilitates pilgrimages to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Narowal district. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the validity of the agreement has been extended, ensuring that pilgrims can continue to visit the Gurdwara without interruption. The MEA also reiterated calls for Pakistan to remove the $20 service charge imposed on pilgrims. Recently, Pakistan issued visas to Sikh pilgrims for events commemorating Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh Empire.
