“Relief news for Sikh community”: Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement extension

New Delhi [India], October 23 (ANI): Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the renewal of the agreement between India and Pakistan on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for the next five years, calling it welcome news for the Sikh community.

Jakhar also stated that the extension of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for five years is a step towards ‘reducing the distance between the two countries.’

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sunil Jakhar wrote, “The Indian government’s extension of the agreement with Pakistan for five more years, allowing darshan of the holy shrine through the Kartarpur Corridor, is a relief for the Sikh community. I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s government for this initiative. It is hoped that this extension of the Kartarpur Corridor will be a step towards reducing the distance between the two nations.”

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also welcomed the decision, highlighting the Prime Minister’s respect for the Sikh community and their faith.

“By extending the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for five years, PM Narendra Modi has shown his deep respect for the Sikhs and their faith. Several governments, since independence, made false promises to Sikhs, but none opened the Kartarpur Corridor,” said Bhandari.

He further added that this initiative underscores PM Modi’s commitment to the Sikh community and Punjab.

The agreement, originally signed between the two countries on 24 October 2019, facilitates pilgrim visits from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Narowal district via the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. It was initially valid for five years.

In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “India and Pakistan have agreed, through diplomatic channels, to extend the validity of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for a further period of five years.”

The extension ensures the uninterrupted operation of the Corridor, allowing pilgrims from India to continue visiting the Gurdwara in Pakistan.

The MEA also noted, “In light of ongoing requests from pilgrims for the removal of the USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to waive all fees and charges.”

Earlier in June, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for attending Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s death anniversary. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, known as the ‘Lion of Punjab,’ was the first ruler of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century.