Sukhbir Badal: Request Pak PM not to make Kartarpur a source of income

As Pakistan has plans to levy a tax on pilgrims of $20 for devotees from Sikh community visiting Kartarpur Corridor from India, Shiromani Akali Dal (S) leer Sukhbir Singh Bal has requested neighbouring country's Prime Minister Imran Khan t to make it a source of income. inaugural ceremony of much-awaited Kartarpur corridor is slated to be held on vember 9. 

" fee is very high. I request Prime Minister of Pakistan t to make this a source of income, it is a pilgrim. Let this be a pilgrim," Bal said. 

During signing of an agreement with Pakistan on modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor last month, India h expressed disappointment after Pakistan refused to waive USD 20 service charge on Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and urged Islamab to reconsider its decision given "religious and spiritual sentiments" of pilgrims.

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Earlier on Friday, attempting a face-saver, Pakistan PM Imran Khan anunced in a tweet said that he has waived off $20 fees for Kartapur Corridor visit for pilgrims on day of inauguration and on Guru Nanak's 550th birthday. In his tweet, he said that devotees visiting Kartarpur will t need a passport. He also said that re is need to register ten days in vance for visit.

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Kartarpur Corridor

much-awaited corridor will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur, Punjab, with gurdwara at Kartarpur, just around four kilometres from international border, located at Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province. Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism, h spent more than 18 years of his life at Darbar Sahib gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan, located on banks of river Ravi, making it one of holiest sites for devotees. Spanning over an area of around 2.5 lakh sq feet, terminal will have a facilitation centre to host government officials responsible for ensuring hassle-free travel of pilgrims, food kiosks, parking areas and security points. 

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India, Pakistan's agreement on Kartarpur Corridor

India and Pakistan h agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims every day and that ditional pilgrim will be allowed on special occasions, subject to capacity expansion of facilities by Pakistan side. India and Pakistan h also decided that corridor would be operational throughout year and seven days a week and that pilgrims would have a choice to visit as individuals or in groups. Both sides agreed to build a bridge on Budhi Ravi channel. Pending construction of bridge on Pakistan side, both sides agreed to crossing point coordinates of temporary service ro.

In vember 2018, India and Pakistan h agreed to set up border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to Dera Baba Nanak. two sides h planned to open corridor before year-long celebrations to mark 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev beginning in vember.

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(With ncies input)