Pakistan has announced the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor ahead of the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
Reportedly, the government completed arrangements for Sikh religious celebrations on Friday (today). It also welcomed pilgrims who wish to visit sacred sites in Pakistan.
However, travel through the corridor from India remains suspended by Indian authorities.
India suspended pilgrim movement through the Kartarpur Corridor in May 2025 after the Pahalgam attack and military tensions between the two countries.
Sikh organisations and religious leaders have repeatedly called for access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to be restored.
In October, the Punjab Legislative Assembly in India passed a resolution asking the central government to reopen the corridor.
The resolution called for safe travel for Sikh pilgrims and easier procedures for visiting the historic shrine.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also supported the demand. He stressed that religious faith should be respected despite political differences.
Pakistan had already announced plans to reopen the corridor describing the move as a gesture of religious goodwill.
Sikh pilgrims welcome Pakistan’s decision
Indian Sikh pilgrims praised Pakistan for its efforts to support religious freedom and peaceful relations between communities.
They also appreciated the friendly attitude of Pakistani authorities and citizens towards visiting Sikh devotees.
The Kartarpur Corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Punjab state with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district.
The shrine is an important religious site because Guru Nanak spent the final years of his life there.
The corridor first opened in November 2019. It allowed Indian pilgrims to visit the sacred site without a regular Pakistani visa.
Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board has also announced arrangements for the upcoming birth anniversary celebrations.
Indian pilgrims travelling through the Wagah border are expected to arrive on November 22. The main ceremony is scheduled for November 24 at Nankana Sahib.
However, cross-border travel through Kartarpur can only resume once India lifts its existing restrictions.
