Religious exchanges

STRAINED relations between Pakistan and India prevent followers of different faiths from visiting sacred sites on the ‘other side’ with ease. Yet the case of the Kartarpur corridor has been an exception as the Pakistani initiative to allow Sikhs from India to visit their holy site in Punjab without visas has been a success story ever since it was inaugurated in 2019. Moreover, it is welcome that both states have recently renewed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement till October 2029. As per the Foreign Office, the move underscores Pakistan’s “enduring commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence”. At a time when nearly all bilateral ties have been suspended, Kartarpur has survived the toxicity as the agreement allows Indian Sikhs to make visa-free day trips after paying a fee to the revered gurdwara on Pakistani soil.
For anyone who has lately tried to visit the ‘other side’, it is no secret that getting a visa has become extremely difficult. In an ideal world, the bilateral visa regime should be eased to allow divided families and tourists to easily visit the other country after fulfilling basic formalities. Yet until that day comes, the ‘religious tourism’ sector must be promoted by easing visa regulations for visitors wishing to travel to sacred sites across the border. Pakistan, in this respect, has a relatively good track record. According to the foreign ministry around 10,000 Sikh yatrees visit Pakistan annually, as most of their sacred sites are located in the country. Similar ‘corridors’ can be set up to facilitate Pakistanis wishing to visit the revered dargahs in Ajmer and Delhi, as well as other Muslim sacred spaces in India. Currently, the process is very complicated, with visitors mostly travelling with official delegations during urs celebrations. Pakistan can also make it easier for Indian Hindus wishing to visit holy sites in the country. The success of the Kartarpur corridor should encourage similar exchanges.
Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024