A drug smuggling attempt using drones was recently foiled by police at the Narowal border, a significant area along the Pakistan-India border. One smuggler was arrested, while two others escaped. The operation resulted in the seizure of two sophisticated drones and 4.5 kilograms of high-grade heroin, with an estimated street value of PKR 7 million and PKR 5 million respectively. The suspects were traveling by motorcycle towards Badwal Motor when they were stopped at a police checkpoint. A manhunt is underway to capture the remaining individuals involved.
The Narowal border, situated in the Narowal District of Punjab, Pakistan, is geographically important due to its proximity to India’s Gurdaspur District, also in Punjab. The region, characterized by villages, farmlands, and the nearby Ravi River, has historically held strategic significance for both agriculture and border security.
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A key feature of the Narowal border is the Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in 2019. This corridor allows visa-free access for Sikh pilgrims from India to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This initiative has been lauded for fostering religious tourism and improving cross-border relations.
Despite the Kartarpur Corridor’s positive impact, security remains a paramount concern at the Narowal border. Heavily patrolled by both Pakistani Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), the area is vulnerable to cross-border crimes like smuggling, illegal crossings, and drone activity. The recent incident involving drug-smuggling drones highlights the ongoing challenges and the need for heightened vigilance.
While the Wagah Border serves as a major trade route, the Narowal border primarily facilitates people-to-people connectivity, particularly for the Sikh community visiting the Kartarpur shrine. Although not a hub for large-scale commerce, the Narowal border, especially through the Kartarpur Corridor, plays a crucial role in cultural exchange and religious tourism between India and Pakistan.
