Pakistan PM Waives Off Two Key Requirements for Sikh Pilgrims Visiting Kartapur

Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has waived off two key requirements for the Sikh pilgrims, those visiting from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur. First, those going for pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur would no longer be required to bring their passport, instead they need to carry only a valid ID proof. Second, the Sikh visitors need not to register ten days in advance. This apart, Pakistan PM has also said no fee would be charged respectively on the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 and on Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary, on November 12, 2019.

The Pakistan Government’s recent decision came into light only after the PM, Imran Khan, posted his view in a Tweet on Friday morning. 

Imran Khan Tweeted, "For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 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 day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday”.

This comes as the first batch of 1,100 Sikhs from India already arrived in Lahore on Thursday for the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson, Amir Hashmi said, “The first batch of 1,100 Sikhs crossed over here from Wagah Border to attend celebrations of 550 birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib”.  Hashmi added, the visiting Sikhs brought "Golden Palki" along with them.

The 'Nagar Kirtan' (procession) was received here by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, ETPB chairman Aamer Ahmed and Pakistan Gurdwara Sikh Parbhandik Committee president Satwant Singh at Wagah Border.

"A special exemption of tax has been sought from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the 'Golden Palki'", the ETPB said.