Pakistan’s government intends to rehabilitate at least 46 additional Gurdwaras along with other sacred sites associated with Sikhism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. This move comes as the influx of Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur continues to rise, according to officials who spoke on Thursday.
At a seminar called 'Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan's Steps Towards Peace and Harmony,' Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, stated that the Kartarpur Corridor has reinforced Pakistan's dedication to fostering interfaith harmony.
"Even with challenges, the number of Sikh pilgrims has risen by 72 percent. Visitors coming from India leave with memories filled with love and hospitality," he stated.
The conference organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) gathered policymakers, academics, and media professionals to explore how the corridor influences interfaith harmony and international relations within the region.
The ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stated that both Pakistan and India have extended their accord to assist Sikh pilgrims for an additional five-year period.
Despite increased tensions after India’s actions in Kashmir in August 2019, the Kartarpur Corridor continued to operate without disruption. He stated that Pakistan’s dedication to promoting religious tolerance stayed unwavering.
The CEO of the Kartarpur Corridor, Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, highlighted that Guru Nanak established Kartarpur in 1504 AD. He mentioned that the corridor has emerged as an exceptional place of tranquility near the Pakistan-India border. Qureshi stated that Pakistan offered visa-free entry to Sikh pilgrims from India; however, this gesture was not returned. Additionally, he suggested that the corridor might be used for potential future diplomatic discussions.
The former Minister of State Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani encouraged Pakistan to broaden its scope for religious tourism, stating that this move could enhance economic growth and improve the country’s international reputation positively.
Journalist Harmeet Singh proposed enhancing facilities for travelers of faith, whereas scholar Qibla Ayaz cited the Misaq-e-Medina as an ancient example of communal peace between different religious groups.
During his closing statements, ISSI Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted the increasing issue of worldwide religious discrimination. He stated, "The establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor exemplifies Pakistan’s commitment to regarding minority groups as full-fledged citizens. This project aims to set a precedent for additional passages like these for the benefit of Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist populations."
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