The Indian government has finally decided to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib corridor from Wednesday ahead of the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev. The corridor provides visa-free travel from India to Pakistan and vice-versa.

Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen tomorrow ahead of birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

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

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious &amp; intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for. This makes 104 members of the UN, out of 193 strength not supporting the resolution.

Most of the countries, who did not vote were from Africa and small island countries, many of whom did not wish to be identified by going for abstentions. While the resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan-Philippines was adopted by 90 countries in favour, it divided the world body.

The abstentions were majorly from the European Union and the west over a straitjacketed view of ongoing freedom of expression versus religion debate. EU saw the resolution, while barely taking a stance on freedom of expression, focused on "religious symbols".

India had its own concerns, specifically on the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, with New Delhi highlighting how Islamabad has transferred the administration of the Gurudwara to a non-Sikh body. It said, "We have protested against this very strongly with the Pakistani side since this runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large."

India also raised concerns over Indic religions--Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism being discriminated when it comes to persecution against them vis a vis Abrahamic religion, and the stance was well received by many countries.

Pakistani mission to United Nation said the resolution is part of "diplomatic campaign to raise awareness about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred &amp; defamation of religious personalities &amp; symbols", something that is seen as one-sided and coming from a country with a poor track record on safekeeping its own minorities.&nbsp;

In the last 15 years, the resolution on "culture of peace" has always been adopted without a vote and adopted with a consensus. Pakistan is now keen that United Nations declares an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”, an action that focuses on one religion and expectedly in the future will be used to slam India.

With the resolution being taken, the UN's role has also come under scrutiny. The resolution said it, "welcomes efforts undertaken by the high representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations...and takes note of his recent "call for mutual respect". This irked the EU and was seen a something that went against France and the right to expression.&nbsp;

High representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos in October issued a statement "call for mutual respect", saying, "Insulting religions and sacred religious symbols provokes hatred and violent extremism leading to polarization..." and "freedom of expression should be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs".&nbsp;

The statement was issued in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of knife attacks in France over the depiction of Prophet Mohammed, which is forbidden in Islam.

In fact, India in its statement at UN when the resolution was being taken up and pointed out, “The United Nations is not a body which should take sides when it comes to religion. If we are indeed selective, we will only end up proving Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations”. What we are trying to build here is an “alliance of civilizations” not set up a clash. I call on the UN Alliance of Civilization to act likewise and speak for all, not just a select few."

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious & intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for.

In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. The resolution "Promotion of interreligious & intercultural dialogue", saw 52 abstentions, and 51 countries not voting for. This makes 104 members of the UN, out of 193 strength not supporting the resolution. Most of the countries, who did not vote were from Africa and small island countries, many of whom did not wish to be identified by going for abstentions. While the resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan-Philippines was adopted by 90 countries in favour, it divided the world body. The abstentions were majorly from the European Union and the west over a straitjacketed view of ongoing freedom of expression versus religion debate. EU saw the resolution, while barely taking a stance on freedom of expression, focused on "religious symbols". India had its own concerns, specifically on the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, with New Delhi highlighting how Islamabad has transferred the administration of the Gurudwara to a non-Sikh body. It said, "We have protested against this very strongly with the Pakistani side since this runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large." India also raised concerns over Indic religions--Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism being discriminated when it comes to persecution against them vis a vis Abrahamic religion, and the stance was well received by many countries. Pakistani mission to United Nation said the resolution is part of "diplomatic campaign to raise awareness about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred & defamation of religious personalities & symbols", something that is seen as one-sided and coming from a country with a poor track record on safekeeping its own minorities. In the last 15 years, the resolution on "culture of peace" has always been adopted without a vote and adopted with a consensus. Pakistan is now keen that United Nations declares an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”, an action that focuses on one religion and expectedly in the future will be used to slam India. With the resolution being taken, the UN's role has also come under scrutiny. The resolution said it, "welcomes efforts undertaken by the high representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations...and takes note of his recent "call for mutual respect". This irked the EU and was seen a something that went against France and the right to expression. High representative for the United Nations Alliance of civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos in October issued a statement "call for mutual respect", saying, "Insulting religions and sacred religious symbols provokes hatred and violent extremism leading to polarization..." and "freedom of expression should be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs". The statement was issued in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of knife attacks in France over the depiction of Prophet Mohammed, which is forbidden in Islam. In fact, India in its statement at UN when the resolution was being taken up and pointed out, “The United Nations is not a body which should take sides when it comes to religion. If we are indeed selective, we will only end up proving Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations”. What we are trying to build here is an “alliance of civilizations” not set up a clash. I call on the UN Alliance of Civilization to act likewise and speak for all, not just a select few."

Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it

Having a large number of Sikh officers and troops in its ranks, the Indian Army has issued procedures and guidelines for its personnel desirous of visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-officially-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor-261021">Kartarpur </a>in Pakistan.

According to the Indian Army sources, guidelines have been issued twice in November for the personnel who wish to visit the most revered shrine of Sikhs in Pakistan through the recently-opened Kartarpur corridor.

In the guidelines, the Army has also asked its personnel to be careful while visiting there as they are bound to come in contact with foreign nationals.

The Indian Army sources said since the personnel of the force would be visiting Pakistan which is considered as the main adversary, the troops would be required to be extra cautious during the pilgrimage.

The Indian Army has a large number of Sikh officers and troops in its ranks. Its three regiments including the Sikh Regiment, Sikh Light Infantry Regiment and the Punjab Regiment mainly comprise Sikh troops from Punjab and neighbouring states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

On November 9, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev.

Even though Pakistan has been claiming the Kartarpur corridor to be the brainchild of Imran Khan, its Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid recently contradicted his own government saying that the opening of the corridor was the brainchild of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and asserted that it will hurt India forever.&nbsp;

Having a large number of Sikh officers and troops in its ranks, the Indian Army has issued procedures and guidelines for its personnel desirous of visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan.

Having a large number of Sikh officers and troops in its ranks, the Indian Army has issued procedures and guidelines for its personnel desirous of visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan. According to the Indian Army sources, guidelines have been issued twice in November for the personnel who wish to visit the most revered shrine of Sikhs in Pakistan through the recently-opened Kartarpur corridor. In the guidelines, the Army has also asked its personnel to be careful while visiting there as they are bound to come in contact with foreign nationals. The Indian Army sources said since the personnel of the force would be visiting Pakistan which is considered as the main adversary, the troops would be required to be extra cautious during the pilgrimage. The Indian Army has a large number of Sikh officers and troops in its ranks. Its three regiments including the Sikh Regiment, Sikh Light Infantry Regiment and the Punjab Regiment mainly comprise Sikh troops from Punjab and neighbouring states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. On November 9, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev. Even though Pakistan has been claiming the Kartarpur corridor to be the brainchild of Imran Khan, its Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid recently contradicted his own government saying that the opening of the corridor was the brainchild of Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and asserted that it will hurt India forever.

Indian Army issues guidelines for its personnel visiting Kartarpur Corridor

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-general-bajwas-brainchild-india-will-remember-this-wound-forever-top-pakistan-minister-265507">Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's </a>disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative.

Even as he expressed serious concern over this admission by the Pak minister, the Chief Minister said that Rashid had completely bared open the wicked design of Pakistan behind the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aims-to-spread-unrest-through-kartarpur-corridor-pakistan-activist-264007">Corridor</a>, which India had hoped would emerge as a bridge of peace between the two countries.

The chief minister also took a strong exception to Rashid's remarks that "the Corridor would hurt India, which would forever remember the wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa with the Corridor."

Terming it an open and blatant threat against India's security and integrity, Captain Amarinder warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-bonds-with-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-over-bus-journey-to-kartarpur-gurdwara-261388">Pakistan </a>not to attempt to indulge in any misadventure against its neighbour.

"Don't make the mistake of reading weakness in our gratitude for the opening of the Corridor," warned the Chief Minister, asserting that India would give a befitting response to any bid by Pakistan to attack its borders or its people.

Declaring that India would never let&nbsp;Pakistan fulfill its despicable ambitions against the former, he said any such attempt by Islamabad would be met with retaliation of the kind that they would never be able to survive.

Captain Amarinder recalled that he had all along maintained that while he was extremely happy, as a Sikh, at the opening of the Corridor to enable access to Indian devotees to the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, the threat it posed to our country could not be ignored. The chief minister had, in fact, been repeatedly urging caution over the matter, warning that Pakistan was trying to win the sympathies of the Sikhs by opening the corridor to further the ISI-backed Referendum 2020 agenda.

This had been quite evident from various facts, most notably that Bajwa had disclosed the decision to build the Corridor to then Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu at the time of Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony, said the Chief Minister.

"Imran had not even taken over then, yet their Army Chief had spoken about this to Sidhu. How was it possible unless Bajwa was the one behind the Corridor decision," asked Captain Amarinder, recalling that he had pointed this out long back.

Given the revelation of the minister, Captain Amarinder also urged Sidhu to be more cautious in his dealings with the Imran Khan government and not allow his personal friendship with the Pakistan prime minister to cloud his judgment in any way, as that could be harmful to India's interests.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative. Even as he expressed serious concern over this admission by the Pak minister, the Chief Minister said that Rashid had completely bared open the wicked design of Pakistan behind the Corridor, which India had hoped would emerge as a bridge of peace between the two countries. The chief minister also took a strong exception to Rashid's remarks that "the Corridor would hurt India, which would forever remember the wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa with the Corridor." Terming it an open and blatant threat against India's security and integrity, Captain Amarinder warned Pakistan not to attempt to indulge in any misadventure against its neighbour. "Don't make the mistake of reading weakness in our gratitude for the opening of the Corridor," warned the Chief Minister, asserting that India would give a befitting response to any bid by Pakistan to attack its borders or its people. Declaring that India would never let Pakistan fulfill its despicable ambitions against the former, he said any such attempt by Islamabad would be met with retaliation of the kind that they would never be able to survive. Captain Amarinder recalled that he had all along maintained that while he was extremely happy, as a Sikh, at the opening of the Corridor to enable access to Indian devotees to the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, the threat it posed to our country could not be ignored. The chief minister had, in fact, been repeatedly urging caution over the matter, warning that Pakistan was trying to win the sympathies of the Sikhs by opening the corridor to further the ISI-backed Referendum 2020 agenda. This had been quite evident from various facts, most notably that Bajwa had disclosed the decision to build the Corridor to then Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu at the time of Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony, said the Chief Minister. "Imran had not even taken over then, yet their Army Chief had spoken about this to Sidhu. How was it possible unless Bajwa was the one behind the Corridor decision," asked Captain Amarinder, recalling that he had pointed this out long back. Given the revelation of the minister, Captain Amarinder also urged Sidhu to be more cautious in his dealings with the Imran Khan government and not allow his personal friendship with the Pakistan prime minister to cloud his judgment in any way, as that could be harmful to India's interests.

Pakistan minister's statements on Kartarpur Corridor exposes country's 'nefarious designs': Amarinder Singh

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

Pakistan on Monday launched a special song ahead of the inauguration of the corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan this week.

According to Express Tribune, the song was released by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan. It is an official song of Kartarpur Corridor Opening ceremony. The song comes days ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.

The song welcomes Sikh pilgrims at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on the occasion of the opening of Kartarpur corridor and 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The song features Congress leader Navjot Singh and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

The corridor will be opened in a grand ceremony on November 9. India and Pakistan had, on October 24, signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor.

The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid down on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side.

Pakistan has released a commemorative postage stamp and a coin for pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara.

The government of Pakistan on October 30 had released a coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported.

Over one thousand Sikhs from are visiting various sacred shrines in Pakistan`s Hassanabdal city as part of the `Nagar Kirtan`, a religious procession, held to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

The Sikh pilgrims visited Gurdwara Janamasthan, Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Soda Farooqabad and other shrines. The pilgrimage concluded at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where a gold palanquin `Palki Sahib` was installed.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Monday launched a special song ahead of the inauguration of the corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan this week.

Pakistan on Monday launched a special song ahead of the inauguration of the corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan this week. According to Express Tribune, the song was released by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan. It is an official song of Kartarpur Corridor Opening ceremony. The song comes days ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev. The song welcomes Sikh pilgrims at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on the occasion of the opening of Kartarpur corridor and 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The song features Congress leader Navjot Singh and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal. The corridor will be opened in a grand ceremony on November 9. India and Pakistan had, on October 24, signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid down on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side. Pakistan has released a commemorative postage stamp and a coin for pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. The government of Pakistan on October 30 had released a coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported. Over one thousand Sikhs from are visiting various sacred shrines in Pakistan`s Hassanabdal city as part of the `Nagar Kirtan`, a religious procession, held to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The Sikh pilgrims visited Gurdwara Janamasthan, Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sacha Soda Farooqabad and other shrines. The pilgrimage concluded at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where a gold palanquin `Palki Sahib` was installed.

Pakistan releases Kartarpur song ahead of corridor inauguration

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported.

Meanwhile, India on Tuesday shared a list of 575 pilgrims scheduled to attend the inaugural 'jatha'&nbsp;to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

The first group of pilgrims from India is expected to depart for the neighbouring country on November 9.

India had, on October 24, signed an agreement with Pakistan on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Islamabad will levy $20 as a service charge on each Indian, who will visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev in Pakistan.

The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported.

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported. Meanwhile, India on Tuesday shared a list of 575 pilgrims scheduled to attend the inaugural 'jatha' to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. The first group of pilgrims from India is expected to depart for the neighbouring country on November 9. India had, on October 24, signed an agreement with Pakistan on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Islamabad will levy $20 as a service charge on each Indian, who will visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev in Pakistan. The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Pak releases coin to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak

A day before the crucial second round of technical-level talks for the Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan, in a late night development on Friday, Islamabad removed Khalistani supporter Gopal Singh Chawla from Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC). India had been raising concerns and objections regarding the inclusion of anti-India elements in a committee that is critical to the operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

Pro-Khalistani Gopal Singh Chawla removed from PSGPC key to Kartarpur corridor

Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage.

"25 per cent of the construction work of the road has been accomplished. The entire construction of the passage will be accomplished by September 30, well in time before the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji," said Singla.

"The world-class infrastructure will be in place to facilitate the devotees, who are expected to pay obeisance at Sri Kartarpur Sahib via this corridor. The construction of the corridor will be at par with a state-of-the-art expressway," he said.

The total length of the corridor is 4.2 km with 3.6 km being the linear stretch which would be equipped with median lights, carriageway and raised footpaths on both sides.

The remaining 0.6 km stretch comprises the approach roads from the historical Gurudwara Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak and that from the BSF Check Post.

In order to facilitate the inflow of pilgrims, all roads connected to the corridor have been strengthened.

"Keeping in view the inflow of pilgrims from all quarters the approach roads to Dera Baba Nanak from Batala, Fatehgarh Churian and Ramdas are also being strengthened and upgraded to facilitate the pilgrims," Singla said.

India and Pakistan have done several rounds of talks with regard to the construction of Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

The first round of talks between the two sides was held at Attari in Punjab on March 14 during which issues like the finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.

Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage.

Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be completed by September end this year, said Punjab Public Works Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Saturday after reviewing the construction work of the passage. "25 per cent of the construction work of the road has been accomplished. The entire construction of the passage will be accomplished by September 30, well in time before the 550th Parkash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji," said Singla. "The world-class infrastructure will be in place to facilitate the devotees, who are expected to pay obeisance at Sri Kartarpur Sahib via this corridor. The construction of the corridor will be at par with a state-of-the-art expressway," he said. The total length of the corridor is 4.2 km with 3.6 km being the linear stretch which would be equipped with median lights, carriageway and raised footpaths on both sides. The remaining 0.6 km stretch comprises the approach roads from the historical Gurudwara Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak and that from the BSF Check Post. In order to facilitate the inflow of pilgrims, all roads connected to the corridor have been strengthened. "Keeping in view the inflow of pilgrims from all quarters the approach roads to Dera Baba Nanak from Batala, Fatehgarh Churian and Ramdas are also being strengthened and upgraded to facilitate the pilgrims," Singla said. India and Pakistan have done several rounds of talks with regard to the construction of Kartarpur Sahib corridor. The first round of talks between the two sides was held at Attari in Punjab on March 14 during which issues like the finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.