NEW DELHI – Following last week’s ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a period of heightened tensions, there is a renewed push within India to reopen the Kartarpur corridor, enabling Sikh pilgrims to visit the revered shrine of Guru Nanak in Pakistan, according to reports on Sunday.
This demand has gained momentum after India allowed trucks transporting perishable goods from Afghanistan to enter through the Wagah border. The Wagah-Attari crossing had been closed in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, a move mirrored by Pakistan.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, added his voice to the appeal, urging both governments to resume operations of the Kartarpur corridor. He noted that the improving bilateral atmosphere offers a timely opportunity to restore the pilgrimage route.
He emphasized that Sikhs pray daily for access to historical gurdwaras across the border, and continued closure of the corridor is unjustified. Gargajj stated that reopening the corridor would foster peace and mutual goodwill, strengthening ties between India and Pakistan.
Trucks from Afghanistan Allowed via Wagah Border
Since its opening in 2019, the Kartarpur corridor has allowed thousands of Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years. Advocates say that resuming the corridor’s operations would honor the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Jathedar Gargajj stressed the region’s need for peace, progress, and cooperation over hostility. He also commended global and regional leaders who helped ease the recent conflict and supported peacebuilding efforts.
The Hindustan Times reported that the ceasefire has reignited hope among Indian Sikhs wishing to visit the Gurdwara in Kartarpur. Although Pakistan kept its side of the corridor open, India suspended travel on May 7. Around 150 pilgrims who had gathered at the Dera Baba Nanak Integrated Check Post in Punjab’s Gurdaspur were turned away after waiting for over 90 minutes.
Despite the setback, the Sikh community remains hopeful. Baba Sukhdeep Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak and resident of Dera Baba Nanak, said, “The ceasefire is a positive development. We’ve fought hard for this corridor, and we hope it resumes soon.”
Jointly inaugurated by the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers on November 9, 2019, the Kartarpur corridor offers Indian pilgrims visa-free, day-long access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The 4.7-kilometer passage links Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India with the shrine in Pakistan.
Trade Resumes at Attari-Wagah Crossing
While the Kartarpur corridor remains shut, India has permitted the entry of 162 freight trucks from Afghanistan via the Wagah-Attari border. The trucks had been stranded in Pakistan due to the recent border closure.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs granted special clearance at Afghanistan’s request. Customs officials were instructed to facilitate the cargo’s entry, according to an official communication.
Mukesh Sidhwani, a dry fruit merchant from Amritsar, welcomed the move. “Some trucks have already started entering. This is a major relief, especially since delays were causing significant losses,” he said.
Roughly 90% of India’s trade with Afghanistan flows through the Attari-Wagah route, the only permitted land trade link between India and Pakistan. The reopening follows a recent call between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which India reaffirmed its support for the Afghan people and their development needs.
