ISLAMABAD (PNP): A high-level US delegation has visited Kartarpur Corridor to participate in the Baisakhi festival and underscore the importance of interfaith dialogue and bilateral cooperation. The delegation was accompanied by Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and was warmly welcomed at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib by members of the Sikh community.
The visiting delegation included Congressman Thomas Richard Suozzi (D-NY), Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Acting U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker, and U.S. Consul General in Lahore Kristen K. Hawkins. Their visit to Kartarpur coincided with Baisakhi, a significant festival for Sikhs, marking the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699.
Congressman Suozzi emphasized the importance of the Kartarpur Corridor as a bridge between nations, stating, “This corridor is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritize peace and understanding over division.” Congressman Jackson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared values of faith and community between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Kartarpur Corridor ‘s significance
The Kartarpur Corridor stands as a powerful symbol of peace, religious harmony, and cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and India—two nations with a long history of conflict. Officially inaugurated in November 2019, the corridor provides visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the final years of his life. For the global Sikh community, this site holds deep spiritual significance, and the corridor fulfills a long-standing dream of easier access to one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines. Beyond its religious importance, the Kartarpur Corridor is a rare example of diplomacy that transcends political divisions.
Despite ongoing tensions and a largely adversarial relationship, both Pakistan and India agreed to operationalize this initiative, reflecting a mutual understanding of the corridor’s emotional and cultural value. It serves as a beacon of interfaith tolerance and people-to-people connection, encouraging peaceful engagement rather than hostility. The corridor has also become a platform for cultural exchange and spiritual tourism, fostering goodwill and understanding among citizens of both countries.
Moreover, the Kartarpur initiative promotes soft diplomacy and offers a template for future confidence-building measures in the region. Its impact extends beyond bilateral relations, projecting an image of Pakistan as a country open to religious minorities and respectful of their heritage, thereby improving its global standing. By allowing access without a visa, the corridor simplifies travel for thousands of pilgrims, making the sacred more accessible. The continuation of this agreement, most recently extended in 2024 for five more years, underlines the shared commitment to sustaining this bridge of peace. In a region often defined by division, the Kartarpur Corridor is a poignant reminder of how shared heritage can unite rather than divide.
The Kartarpur Corridor facilitates visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent his final years. The corridor has been hailed as a symbol of interfaith harmony and a rare example of cooperation between India and Pakistan.
The News International
In October 2024, Pakistan and India renewed their agreement on the Kartarpur Corridor for an additional five years, ensuring continued access for pilgrims and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue .
Kartarpur Cultural Engagement and Interfaith Dialogue
During their visit, the U.S. delegation participated in traditional Baisakhi celebrations, engaging with local Sikh leaders and community members. The event underscored the role of cultural exchange in strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting mutual understanding.
Interior Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit, noting, “This visit not only strengthens our bilateral ties but also highlights the shared cultural and spiritual heritage that binds our nations.”
The visit of the U.S. Congressional delegation to the Kartarpur Corridor marks a significant step in enhancing Pakistan-U.S. relations, particularly in areas of cultural exchange and interfaith dialogue. Both nations have expressed a commitment to building on this momentum to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability in South Asia.
As the Kartarpur Corridor continues to serve as a beacon of hope and cooperation, the April 14 visit stands as a reminder of the potential for diplomacy and dialogue to transcend borders and foster lasting peace.
