Kartarpur Corridor Remains Closed from Indian Side Amid Ceasefire, Sikh Pilgrims Disappointed
Despite the restoration of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, the Kartarpur Corridor remains closed from the Indian side for the sixth consecutive day, causing disappointment among Sikh pilgrims and religious authorities in Pakistan.
Local Sikh devotees in Shakargarh, Narowal, expressed frustration over the ongoing closure and urged New Delhi to separate religion from politics. “We are waiting for our Sikh brothers from India to come for darshan at the holy Darbar Sahib. This is a place of peace and devotion, not politics,” said one pilgrim.
The corridor, which allows visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, remains fully operational on the Pakistani side. The gurdwara administration confirmed they are ready to welcome visitors daily. “The Kartarpur Corridor is open as usual from Pakistan. We wait daily for our Indian Sikh brothers,” a representative stated.
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Pilgrims and religious leaders in Pakistan appealed to Indian authorities to lift the restrictions and resume spiritual visits. “The connection between faith and the holy shrine must be upheld. Holding it hostage to political tensions is unfair to devotees,” emphasized another pilgrim.
On May 7, the Indian government temporarily closed the corridor, citing security concerns amid heightened tensions between the two countries. This abrupt closure, with no announced reopening date, dealt a blow to thousands of Sikh devotees who regularly visit the historic shrine.
Furthermore, uncertainty surrounds the planned visit of 500 Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan for Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary on June 30, as India reportedly imposed travel restrictions on the group.
