India is considering opening up the Kartarpur Corridor ahead of the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Indian Government urged to open Kartarpur Corridor

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board.&nbsp;

The unit is headed by one Tariq Khan and has nine members, none of them being a Sikh.

The ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded release said, "unilateral decision" by Pakistan "runs against the spirit" of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the "religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large."

New Delhi had already received representations from a large number of the members of the Sikh community who have expressed "grave concern" at the Pakistan's action. It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara.

The MEA said, "Such actions only expose the reality of the Pakistani government and its leadership’s tall claims of preserving and protecting the rights and welfare of the religious minority communities."

India called on Islamabad to "reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive" the Sikh minority community "it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib."

Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.&nbsp;

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan for transferring the management of Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (PSGPC) to "project management unit" a non-Sikh body under the Evacuee Trust Property Board. The unit is headed by one Tariq Khan and has nine members, none of them being a Sikh. The ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded release said, "unilateral decision" by Pakistan "runs against the spirit" of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the "religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large." New Delhi had already received representations from a large number of the members of the Sikh community who have expressed "grave concern" at the Pakistan's action. It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara. The MEA said, "Such actions only expose the reality of the Pakistani government and its leadership’s tall claims of preserving and protecting the rights and welfare of the religious minority communities." India called on Islamabad to "reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive" the Sikh minority community "it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib." Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.

India condemns Pak's 'arbitrary' decision of transferring management of Kartarpur Gurudwara

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday.

However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan, has distanced itself from the PSGPC’s initiative, saying "it has not received any instructions to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor so far."

The 4-km long corridor links Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev.

"We have decided in principle to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and for the purpose, we will invite some two to three ministers and other government functionaries," Singh told PTI.

When asked as to why the ETPB was not hosting this function along with the PSGPC, Singh said: "Since the construction of Kartarpur Corridor is a historic event, the Sikh body in Pakistan has decided in principle to celebrate its first inauguration anniversary. And so far the ETPB is concerned, we are inviting it and other government functionaries and ministers for the event."

He said that the PSGPC wanted to invite Sikhs from across the border but the Indian government had already declined the Pakistan government's offer to allow the pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib owing to COVID-19.

The corridor — which allows Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara — was closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India has said a decision to re-open the Kartarpur corridor would be taken in accordance with the protocols relating to COVID-19 and easing of restrictions.

Singh further said that Sikhs from all parts of Pakistan would visit the corridor on November 9. "Some 500 to 1,000 locals visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib daily," he said.

Meanwhile, an official of the ETPB told PTI that no function in connection with the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor has been planned at the government level.

"The PSGPC is organizing a programme on its own," he said.

On November 9, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor as part of the commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at a colourful ceremony.

Earlier this month, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan will celebrate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from November 28 to 30.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, its chief Satwant Singh said on Thursday. However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan, has distanced itself from the PSGPC’s initiative, saying "it has not received any instructions to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor so far." The 4-km long corridor links Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith’s founder Guru Nanak Dev. "We have decided in principle to celebrate the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and for the purpose, we will invite some two to three ministers and other government functionaries," Singh told PTI. When asked as to why the ETPB was not hosting this function along with the PSGPC, Singh said: "Since the construction of Kartarpur Corridor is a historic event, the Sikh body in Pakistan has decided in principle to celebrate its first inauguration anniversary. And so far the ETPB is concerned, we are inviting it and other government functionaries and ministers for the event." He said that the PSGPC wanted to invite Sikhs from across the border but the Indian government had already declined the Pakistan government's offer to allow the pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib owing to COVID-19. The corridor — which allows Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara — was closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India has said a decision to re-open the Kartarpur corridor would be taken in accordance with the protocols relating to COVID-19 and easing of restrictions. Singh further said that Sikhs from all parts of Pakistan would visit the corridor on November 9. "Some 500 to 1,000 locals visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib daily," he said. Meanwhile, an official of the ETPB told PTI that no function in connection with the first anniversary of the inauguration of the corridor has been planned at the government level. "The PSGPC is organizing a programme on its own," he said. On November 9, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor as part of the commemoration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at a colourful ceremony. Earlier this month, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan will celebrate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from November 28 to 30.

Pak's top Sikh body to celebrate first anniversary of inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9

The Pakistan government on Friday announced that Indian visitors would be allowed in the Kartarpur Gurudwara due to improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-reopening-pak-going-against-bilateral-commitments-creating-mirage-of-goodwill-says-india-308981">Also Read:&nbsp;Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India</a>

The opening is due to take place with "immediate effect", according to the Pakistan government. Indian visitors will be allowed from "dawn to dusk" as per the bilateral agreement signed last year.

However, the Pakistan government cautioned that SOPs related to COVID-19 must be followed by devotees.

Authorities had shut down the Kartarpur corridor on March 16 as a precautionary measure to contain and control the spread of the virus. India later shut down the Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan for an indefinite period as the virus began spreading.

Indian pilgrims are allowed to undertake round the year travel to the historic Gurudwara, the final resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Devji.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan government on Friday announced that Indian visitors would be allowed in the Kartarpur Gurudwara due to improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country.

The Pakistan government on Friday announced that Indian visitors would be allowed in the Kartarpur Gurudwara due to improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country. Also Read: Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India The opening is due to take place with "immediate effect", according to the Pakistan government. Indian visitors will be allowed from "dawn to dusk" as per the bilateral agreement signed last year. However, the Pakistan government cautioned that SOPs related to COVID-19 must be followed by devotees. Authorities had shut down the Kartarpur corridor on March 16 as a precautionary measure to contain and control the spread of the virus. India later shut down the Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan for an indefinite period as the virus began spreading. Indian pilgrims are allowed to undertake round the year travel to the historic Gurudwara, the final resting place of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Devji.

Pakistan reopens Kartarpur shrine, Indians allowed with 'immediate effect'

In this segment, Watch WION Speaks to Vivek Katju, Former Ambassador of India over the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor that held today by PM Modi and tried to get his perspective on this for more clarity.

WION Speaks to Vivek Katju, Ex-Indian envoy over the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor held today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor and flagged off the first Jatha of devotees for Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan's Punjab province. PM Modi said ahead of the inauguration at Dera Baba Nanak, "I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Niazi for respecting the sentiments of India,"

Kartarpur Corridor: PM Modi thanks Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to&nbsp;earlier stand.&nbsp;

The border corridor between Pakistan and India will be inaugurated for pilgrims tomorrow. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is Pakistan's second U-turn after Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport.

Earlier Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Sikhs coming for the pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India won't need to produce a passport.&nbsp;

"For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration &amp; on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet.

Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free.

Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand. The border corridor between Pakistan and India will be inaugurated for pilgrims tomorrow.

Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand. The border corridor between Pakistan and India will be inaugurated for pilgrims tomorrow. This is Pakistan's second U-turn after Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport. Earlier Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Sikhs coming for the pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India won't need to produce a passport. "For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet. Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free.

Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan to charge $20 from every pilgrim on November 9

Pakistan on Wednesday briefed the heads of foreign missions and their representatives in Islamabad about the opening of the much-awaited Kartarpur Corridor.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the diplomatic corps regarding Pakistan's initiative of opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

The Heads of Mission and representatives from Islamabad-based diplomatic missions attended in large numbers, an official statement said.

The briefing comes just days ahead of ceremonies on both sides of India and Pakistan borders to inaugurate the corridor on November 9.

India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Mahmood claimed that the first phase of the construction of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor project and renovation of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which has now become the world's largest Sikh Gurdwara, has been completed in record time.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib.

Mahmood has said that the opening of the corridor is in line with Pakistan's policy of "promoting inter-faith harmony".

However, Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free.

Following the low-key ceremony to sign the agreement, New Delhi had expressed disappointment on Pakistan's refusal to waive USD 20 service charge on Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and urged Islamabad to reconsider its decision given the "religious and spiritual sentiments" of the pilgrims.

Ahead of the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, India has reiterated its concerns over looming terror threats and possible use of the corridor for anti-India activity.

India has given the list of dignitaries who will be crossing over to Kartarpur. The 'Jatha'&nbsp;includes former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and more than 150 Members of Parliament and prominent Indians.

No confirmation of the approved list has come from Pakistan yet. Islamabad has also not allowed Indian advance security and protocol team to visit the site as this is a normal practice and well-known procedure before VVIP visits.

Pakistan has also not shared minute details of the programme and is not following the Kartarpur agreement spirit.

Khan, without mutually consulting India, tweeted that pilgrims don't require a passport. This has created confusion here and clarification has been sought which has not come till date.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday briefed the heads of foreign missions and their representatives in Islamabad about the opening of the much-awaited Kartarpur Corridor. Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the diplomatic corps regarding Pakistan's initiative of opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

Pakistan on Wednesday briefed the heads of foreign missions and their representatives in Islamabad about the opening of the much-awaited Kartarpur Corridor. Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood briefed the diplomatic corps regarding Pakistan's initiative of opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. The Heads of Mission and representatives from Islamabad-based diplomatic missions attended in large numbers, an official statement said. The briefing comes just days ahead of ceremonies on both sides of India and Pakistan borders to inaugurate the corridor on November 9. India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Mahmood claimed that the first phase of the construction of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor project and renovation of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which has now become the world's largest Sikh Gurdwara, has been completed in record time. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib. Mahmood has said that the opening of the corridor is in line with Pakistan's policy of "promoting inter-faith harmony". However, Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free. Following the low-key ceremony to sign the agreement, New Delhi had expressed disappointment on Pakistan's refusal to waive USD 20 service charge on Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and urged Islamabad to reconsider its decision given the "religious and spiritual sentiments" of the pilgrims. Ahead of the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, India has reiterated its concerns over looming terror threats and possible use of the corridor for anti-India activity. India has given the list of dignitaries who will be crossing over to Kartarpur. The 'Jatha' includes former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Sukhbir Badal, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and more than 150 Members of Parliament and prominent Indians. No confirmation of the approved list has come from Pakistan yet. Islamabad has also not allowed Indian advance security and protocol team to visit the site as this is a normal practice and well-known procedure before VVIP visits. Pakistan has also not shared minute details of the programme and is not following the Kartarpur agreement spirit. Khan, without mutually consulting India, tweeted that pilgrims don't require a passport. This has created confusion here and clarification has been sought which has not come till date.

Pakistan briefs diplomats on opening of Kartarpur Corridor

Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to&nbsp;Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan.

Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of Pakistan Army said on Thursday that Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara will be required to hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-chief-says-passport-must-for-indian-pilgrims-in-major-u-turn-on-kartarpur-corridor-260491">passport</a>. The latest development from Pakistan comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kartarpur pilgrims from India will not require&nbsp;a visa.&nbsp;

Only two days are left for the inauguration of the historic&nbsp;corridor, but it seems that the confusion over passport issue still prevails in Pakistan as the country has backtracked multiple times from its stance.

Here's a timeline on the conflicting statements made by Pakistan on the requirement of passport by Sikh pilgrims&nbsp;visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara.&nbsp;

October 24: Mohammed Faisal, Pakistan's spokesperson of foreign affairs, said that the pilgrims visiting India will have to carry passport which will be scanned but not stamped. He, however, said that visa will not be needed for the Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;

October 31: In a tweet, Pakistan PM had said that the country has waived off two requirements&nbsp;which includes allowing Sikh pilgrims to come without a passport. He added that the pilgrims will require to carry only a valid ID. Imran also said that pilgrims are no longer&nbsp;required to register for the visit 10 days in advance.

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For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration &amp; on Guruji's 550th birthday
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1190087955588755456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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November 7: &nbsp;Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan Army's spokesperson told a private TV channel that the entry to the country for Kartarpur pilgrims will be visa-based. He added that the country cannot compromise on its security and sovereignty.&nbsp;

Earlier, diplomatic sources from Pakistan had said that Indian pilgrims have been exempted of all passport and visa requirements. They also added that the Indian side have been informed through official channels about the decision.

The Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (India) to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both India and Pakistan agreed to inaugurate the&nbsp;corridor on 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Guru Nanak shrine in Kartarpur is significant for Sikhs as their first Guru spent his last years there.&nbsp; 
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Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan.

Pakistan, just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, has taken another U-turn over passports being issued to Sikh pilgrims visiting Guru Nanak Dev's shrine in Pakistan. Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of Pakistan Army said on Thursday that Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara will be required to hold a passport. The latest development from Pakistan comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kartarpur pilgrims from India will not require a visa. Only two days are left for the inauguration of the historic corridor, but it seems that the confusion over passport issue still prevails in Pakistan as the country has backtracked multiple times from its stance. Here's a timeline on the conflicting statements made by Pakistan on the requirement of passport by Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara. October 24: Mohammed Faisal, Pakistan's spokesperson of foreign affairs, said that the pilgrims visiting India will have to carry passport which will be scanned but not stamped. He, however, said that visa will not be needed for the Indian pilgrims. October 31: In a tweet, Pakistan PM had said that the country has waived off two requirements which includes allowing Sikh pilgrims to come without a passport. He added that the pilgrims will require to carry only a valid ID. Imran also said that pilgrims are no longer required to register for the visit 10 days in advance. For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 1, 2019 × November 7: Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan Army's spokesperson told a private TV channel that the entry to the country for Kartarpur pilgrims will be visa-based. He added that the country cannot compromise on its security and sovereignty. Earlier, diplomatic sources from Pakistan had said that Indian pilgrims have been exempted of all passport and visa requirements. They also added that the Indian side have been informed through official channels about the decision. The Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (India) to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both India and Pakistan agreed to inaugurate the corridor on 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Guru Nanak shrine in Kartarpur is significant for Sikhs as their first Guru spent his last years there.

Timeline: Pakistan's flip-flop over passport requirement for Kartarpur corridor pilgrims

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen.&nbsp;

In the video, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Major General Shabeg Singh and Amrik Singh Khalsa, all of whom were involved in the failed attempt to separate Indian state Punjab, can be seen. The separatists demanded a separate land for Sikhs by the name of Khalistan. All three separatists were killed by Indian forces in Operation Blue Star in Golden Temple in June 1984.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-kartarpur-video-shows-poster-of-khalistanis-260332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here," Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said on the video from Pakistan. However, officials from Pakistan are yet to respond&nbsp;to the video.

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Khalistani separatist Jarnail Bhindranwale featured in Pakistan Govt's official video on Kartarpur corridor: All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here. <a href="https://t.co/xh5v4jsGle">pic.twitter.com/xh5v4jsGle</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1191985150818578433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The video was released by Pakistan's information and broadcasting ministry.

The video has surfaced days before both India and Pakistan will inaugurate the Kartarpur gurudwara corridor. The Indian side of the corridor will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 8 while the Pakistan PM will open the Pakistani side of the route the very next day.&nbsp;

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan holds a special significance in the hearts of Sikh pilgrims as their first religious leader, Guru Nanak Dev spent his last 18 years here. The Kartarpur corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (Pakistan) and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both sides agreed to inaugurate this corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen.

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen. In the video, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Major General Shabeg Singh and Amrik Singh Khalsa, all of whom were involved in the failed attempt to separate Indian state Punjab, can be seen. The separatists demanded a separate land for Sikhs by the name of Khalistan. All three separatists were killed by Indian forces in Operation Blue Star in Golden Temple in June 1984. "All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here," Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said on the video from Pakistan. However, officials from Pakistan are yet to respond to the video. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Khalistani separatist Jarnail Bhindranwale featured in Pakistan Govt's official video on Kartarpur corridor: All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here. pic.twitter.com/xh5v4jsGle — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × The video was released by Pakistan's information and broadcasting ministry. The video has surfaced days before both India and Pakistan will inaugurate the Kartarpur gurudwara corridor. The Indian side of the corridor will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 8 while the Pakistan PM will open the Pakistani side of the route the very next day. The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan holds a special significance in the hearts of Sikh pilgrims as their first religious leader, Guru Nanak Dev spent his last 18 years here. The Kartarpur corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (Pakistan) and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both sides agreed to inaugurate this corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan releases Kartarpur corridor video featuring Khalistani separatists

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha'&nbsp;visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday.

Sources added that Pakistan has not yet allowed any team from India to visit Kartarpur Sahib in advance to confirm the arrangements made for the inaugural jatha. In addition, the country has unilaterally decided the programme and timing of the pilgrims without taking into account India's inputs in the matter.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said last week that India has shared the list of people visiting the Gurudwara with Pakistan so as to seek visas for them."Pakistan tries to project that it is trying to facilitate Sikh pilgrimage, and we have not heard from them. In fact, we hear that the visas will not be granted. We feel that it is disrespect to the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims, especially on this pious occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak," Kumar had said.

Sources added that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's tweet stating that no passports will be required to undertake the pilgrimage has created confusion among the pilgrims as to what documents they should carry as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in this regard mentions the requirement of carrying passports.

In addition, no offer has been made by Pakistan to amend the MoU in light of Khan's tweet.

Critical information such as medical facilities available and security arrangements for the pilgrims have also not been shared with India yet. India has all along remained strongly committed to expeditiously realize the Kartarpur corridor on time, keeping in mind the sentiments of the pilgrims.

The construction work on India's side has been completed on time, and New Delhi even agreed to go ahead with the MoU despite Pakistan's insistence on levying a $20 service fee on the pilgrims.

Pakistan's refusal to extend full cooperation with India in the matter is against the spirit of pilgrimage, sources said.

India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday.

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday. Sources added that Pakistan has not yet allowed any team from India to visit Kartarpur Sahib in advance to confirm the arrangements made for the inaugural jatha. In addition, the country has unilaterally decided the programme and timing of the pilgrims without taking into account India's inputs in the matter. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said last week that India has shared the list of people visiting the Gurudwara with Pakistan so as to seek visas for them."Pakistan tries to project that it is trying to facilitate Sikh pilgrimage, and we have not heard from them. In fact, we hear that the visas will not be granted. We feel that it is disrespect to the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims, especially on this pious occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak," Kumar had said. Sources added that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's tweet stating that no passports will be required to undertake the pilgrimage has created confusion among the pilgrims as to what documents they should carry as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in this regard mentions the requirement of carrying passports. In addition, no offer has been made by Pakistan to amend the MoU in light of Khan's tweet. Critical information such as medical facilities available and security arrangements for the pilgrims have also not been shared with India yet. India has all along remained strongly committed to expeditiously realize the Kartarpur corridor on time, keeping in mind the sentiments of the pilgrims. The construction work on India's side has been completed on time, and New Delhi even agreed to go ahead with the MoU despite Pakistan's insistence on levying a $20 service fee on the pilgrims. Pakistan's refusal to extend full cooperation with India in the matter is against the spirit of pilgrimage, sources said. India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

India yet to receive confirmation from Pakistan on list of inaugural 'jatha' visiting Kartarpur Sahib