Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), April 25 - Amidst the rising tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the future of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor project has come under question. Despite this uncertainty, the corridor remained open today and pilgrims continued to come as usual.
However, the Indian government has not yet clarified whether the project will continue or be suspended. Sources say that the BJP-led central government is facing a difficult situation in taking any hard decision on the future of the project. It is noteworthy that the party is keen to strengthen its base in Punjab, where Sikh support is very important.
Given the importance of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for Sikhs and Sikhism, changing its status could affect the party's relations with the Sikh community. Meanwhile, Pakistan may also lose a lot of revenue if the corridor is closed.
It is worth noting that the neighboring country charges a fee of US$ 20 per pilgrim at the Pakistani Integrated Check Post, which generates a significant revenue from 200-400 pilgrims daily, especially during the weekends (Saturday-Sunday).
Despite repeated requests from India to waive this fee, Pakistan is adamant on collecting this fee from Sikh pilgrims.