Despite the closure of the entire eastern border, including the Wagah crossing, the Kartarpur Corridor remains operational for Indian Sikh yatrees, a spokesperson for the Evacuee Trust Property Board confirmed to Samaa Digital on Friday.
The uninterrupted functioning of the Kartarpur Corridor reflects Pakistan’s continued commitment to facilitating Sikh pilgrims. This comes even as bilateral tensions escalate following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, which claimed 27 lives.
In response to India's statement on Thursday cancelling all visa categories for Pakistani nationals — including medical visas — and ordering them to leave the country by April 30, Pakistan’s National Security Committee, comprising top civilian and military leadership, announced reciprocal measures. These included shutting down the eastern border, airspace for Indian airlines, and expelling Indian advisors and military diplomats within 48 hours.
A demarche was issued to the Indian chargé d'affaires in Islamabad. Pakistan, in return, also suspended visas for Indian nationals, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
Earlier, in a historic gesture for the recently concluded Baisakhi festival, Pakistan issued nearly 7,000 visas to Sikh pilgrims — the highest number in 50 years — allowing them to visit revered gurdwaras in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Hassan Abdal, and Kartarpur.
