Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan briefs foreign diplomats ahead of opening

Ahead of the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan on Wednesday briefed the heads of foreign diplomats and their representatives in Islamabad regarding the opening of the corridor. According to reports, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the foreign delegation about Pakistan's initiative in the opening of the corridor. Furthermore, it has been reported that the Heads of Mission and representatives from Islamabad-based diplomatic missions attended the briefing in a large number. The Kartarpur Sahib corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. 

About the briefing

India and Pakistan had signed an agreement for the operationalisation of the corridor on October 24. According to Mahmood, the first phase of the construction of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor project and renovation of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur has been completed in record time. Further, he stated that the opening of the corridor is in line with Pakistan's policy of "promoting inter-faith harmony."

Ahead of the inauguration, India has given the list of dignitaries who will be crossing over to Kartarpur. The 'Jatha' includes former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and more than 150 Members of Parliament and other prominent Indians. However, Pakistan has not yet confirmed its list. 

Read: Government releases a video on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor

India-Pakistan agreement

Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor and the travel will be visa-free. However, each visitor would be required to pay a fee of USD 20. India had requested Pakistan not to charge the Indian pilgrims but Pakistan refused to waive the fee. India and Pakistan signed the agreement on October 23. 

Read: Amit Shah: 'Generations will remember Kartarpur Corridor achievement'

Kartarpur Corridor to open on Nov 12

The inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor is scheduled on November 12 on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The celebrations will be organised at Sultanpur Lodhi with the multi-media and sound show near the main pandal to continue till November 15. Further, the foundation stone of the National Institute of Inter-Faith Studies at GNDU would be laid on November 8, with 'Ik-Noor Inter-Faith' conclave. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to formally inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9. Ahead of it, Punjab CM will felicitate 550 prominent personalities from all walks of life at Guru Nanak Dev Auditorium in Kapurthala. The Guru Nanak Literature Festival and other major events would be held at Dera Baba Nanak on November 10.

Read: Kartarpur Corridor: Booking, how to apply and online registration

Read: India concerned about Kartarpur security and underlying designs of Pak

(With ANI Inputs)