The Kartarpur Corridor, hailed as a “Corridor of Hope” by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has emerged as a powerful testament to Pakistan’s dedication to interfaith harmony, protection of minority rights, and the broader goal of fostering regional peace. Established in 2019, the corridor facilitates visa-free access for Sikh pilgrims from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
On March 20, 2025, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a seminar titled “Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan’s Initiatives for Peace and Harmony”, bringing together key figures, policymakers, and scholars to discuss the impact and future potential of this historic initiative.
A Landmark Initiative
Chief Guest Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minority Affairs in Punjab, highlighted that the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor was a source of pride for Pakistan. He noted that the corridor enjoyed unanimous political support across the country, reflecting Pakistan’s firm commitment to ensuring minority rights.
The significance of the initiative extends beyond religious access—it embodies Guru Nanak’s universal message of peace, solidarity, and love. Arora also pointed out a crucial contrast: while India claims to be a secular country, Sikh marriages there are still registered under Hindu laws, whereas in Pakistan, the Sikh Marriage Act was implemented last year to recognize Sikh identity and rights formally.
Expanding Religious Tourism and Minority Protection
Despite challenges from hostile forces seeking to destabilize Pakistan’s efforts, Sikh pilgrimages to Kartarpur have seen a 72% increase, proving the corridor’s growing significance. Arora announced that the Government of Pakistan intends to rehabilitate 46 more Gurdwaras along with key Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, further cementing Pakistan’s reputation as a champion of religious freedom.
This proactive approach starkly contrasts with rising anti-minority violence and controversial legislation in neighboring India, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to pluralism and inclusion.
Pakistan-India Agreement Renewal: A Diplomatic Breakthrough
According to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, Pakistan and India agreed on October 22, 2024, to extend the Kartarpur Corridor agreement for another five years. This move underscores the corridor’s success in fostering cross-border religious tourism and goodwill, even amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Despite India’s unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019, which led to escalated tensions, Pakistan remained resolute in fulfilling its commitment to the Sikh community by ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Corridor.
Interfaith Harmony and Historical Context
Mr. Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, CEO of the Kartarpur Corridor, provided a historical perspective, tracing Kartarpur’s origins back to 1504 AD when Baba Guru Nanak founded the settlement. Today, the corridor represents a peaceful exception along the otherwise tension-ridden Pakistan-India border.
Qureshi emphasized that the teachings of Guru Nanak—which advocate remembrance of God, dignity of labor, and sharing with others—align with Pakistan’s philosophy of using the corridor as a diplomatic bridge rather than a mere religious access point. He envisioned a future where the Kartarpur Corridor could evolve into a venue for high-level diplomatic talks between India and Pakistan, fostering greater understanding between the two nations.
The Role of Islam in Promoting Interfaith Coexistence
Mr. Qibla Ayaz, former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, highlighted how Islamic history supports peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony. He cited the Misaq-e-Medina, a historic document underscoring Islam’s commitment to pluralism, and noted that Pakistan’s policies on minority rights align with these foundational Islamic principles.
He stressed that the Kartarpur Corridor stands as a modern-day manifestation of this commitment, offering a model for interfaith tolerance that could inspire other initiatives worldwide.
Kartarpur: A Bridge of Faith and Diplomacy
Prominent Sikh journalist Mr. Harmeet Singh elaborated on the cultural and religious significance of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib for the Sikh community, likening it to the deep spiritual connection Muslims feel toward Mecca and Medina. He emphasized Punjab’s historical role in promoting love and harmony, citing Sufi saints like Baba Bulleh Shah and Baba Farid, whose messages echo Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Singh proposed several enhancements to the corridor, including better infrastructure, security training, and expanded facilities for pilgrims, ensuring a more enriching experience for visitors.
Religious Pluralism and Pakistan’s Commitment to Minorities
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, former Minister of State, lauded Pakistan for setting an example of religious pluralism. He argued that the Kartarpur Corridor showcases Pakistan as a model state for peaceful coexistence, second only to the historical Riyasat-e-Medina.
However, he pointed out that the declining population of religious minorities in Pakistan is an area that needs urgent attention. He urged the government to promote religious tourism, citing its potential to enhance Pakistan’s soft image, boost the economy, and counter extremist narratives.
Towards a More Inclusive Future
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, emphasized that rising global religious extremism necessitates greater efforts toward interfaith harmony. He stated that the Kartarpur Corridor is not just a religious initiative but a diplomatic milestone, reflecting Pakistan’s policy of treating minorities as equal citizens while fostering goodwill with neighboring countries.
The seminar reaffirmed that Pakistan envisions the Kartarpur Corridor as a stepping stone toward broader peace efforts, hoping it will pave the way for similar corridors for Hindus and Buddhists in the future. With its expanding role in religious tourism, cultural diplomacy, and minority rights, the Kartarpur Corridor continues to be a beacon of hope, dialogue, and coexistence in South Asia.
References:
- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) – Seminar Proceedings, March 20, 2025.
- Pakistan Government Official Statements on Kartarpur Corridor, October 2024.
- United Nations Press Release on Kartarpur Corridor, November 2019.
- Historical Records on Baba Guru Nanak and Kartarpur, Punjab Archives.
- Reports on Religious Freedom in South Asia – 2024 Edition.
